T206 Style

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Posted By: Gilbert Maines

Some of the player drawings contained in this set show the uniform collars turned up, while others do not.

I wonder if this represents an intentional fashion choice by the player. For example, in Cobb cards of this period, is his collar most often shown turned up or down?

I further wonder whether there is any significance associated with this potential style - or is it something other than style. Other than style could be what? Communication that signifies something. Gay, cool, unmarried, the possible list is endless.

Any insight on this?

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Posted By: J Levine

As it being cold the day the picture was taken that was used for the artwork. Cobb played in Detroit, often cold, so his collar is often turned up...I wonder how many players in the T-sets that have their collars turned up are from cold weather cities. I most Phillies are shown in sweaters, turtle necks, long sleeves, and collars turned up.

-Joshua

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Posted By: Gilbert Maines

At the time of the t206 cards being issued, all major league cities were subject to cold weather (Wash. was southernmost). A quick look at the alphabetically first two dozen t206 players reveals a nominal equal distribution of upturned and downturned collars.

As you suggest though, this "mystery" may be easily explained.

I wonder which cards could be checked for maybe the Southern League Teams. I bet they rarely travelled out of the warmer climate for games.

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Posted By: Gilbert Maines

I know y'all are just sitting on the edge of your seats on this one. As it turns out the t206 Southern Leaguers are depicted with their uniform collars turned up on one third of the cards drawn.

The next possible style I plan to check out is belt buckle positioning with players uniforms. Specifically, I believe that at one time I noted examples of Ruth and Cobb shown with their belt buckle positioned at their hip. I guess I will be checking on pictures and drawing of these and other players to determine if this belt positioning could have been a style.

I know there is more than batting gloves and long uniform pants. Please keep an eye out for potential additions to this new grouping of cards.

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Posted By: petecld

Look at all the cards and see if there a pattern where action shots are with collars down and portraits with collars up?

If so, the collar up style was used for "formal" picture taking. Think of it as them being in their "Sunday Best" uniform style. They went casual for game days.

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Posted By: Hal Lewis

I think some of the guys were just concerned about hiding their "hickeys" so that their wives wouldn't see them.

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Posted By: Gilbert Maines

Or maybe ties tucked into the uniform shirt, as prevalent on Mayos.

Now Hal, one third of the Southern Leaguers had their collars up. Certainly you can't think a Southern Gentleman guilty of dalliance?