Old Judge or T206?

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Posted By: Nate

I know a lot of people here like to collect either or both of these legendary sets, but why do you prefer one over the other? Personally, I like to collect Old Judges more than T206's....but that's just me. I think there's more history in the OJ's. How can you really compete with a set that has a card of Harry Wright? Both have their exceptionally rare examples...once again, I'll take the "Anson in Uniform" any ol' day of the week. Although in black and white, the fact that OJ's are primitive photographs pasted to cardboard makes them seem more nostalgic and better collectible relics in my eyes. To be honest, I get a little offended when people refer to the T206 set as the "Monster." What are YOUR thoughts?

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Posted By: joe maples

I collect only Detroit, have all the T206, trying to complete the Detroit OJ, have 12 now. Certainly anything from 1800's should be tough and fun to collect.

Joe

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Posted By: identify7

I do not take offense at the t206 set being called "the Monster". Otherwise I agree with you.

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Posted By: JimB

Though I have a large and growing appreciation for Old Judges and have a handful of them in my collection, I just think the T206 set is infinitely more attractive. If you consider all the backs, variations, etc., it truly is a monster. A T-206 master set would be virtually impossible as well.
JimB

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Posted By: Nate

Jim, you're right...I can appreciate the high amount of variations that only serve to enhance the collectibility of the T206 set.

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Posted By: Jay Miller

As should surprise no one, I favor the Old Judge set. I prefer photographic cards which let you know what the players/equipment really looked like. Also, no matter how you define completeness, the Old Judge set is much more difficult to even come close to completing than the T206 set is to complete. The only thing stopping a collector from completing the T206 set is money--enough money and you're done. In fact you can buy a near set in almost ever Mastro or REA auction. Out of the 500+ different players in the Old Judge set, money considerations aside, try to get 90% of them. You can take my word that it would not be easy. In terms of the challenge, the variations, and the glimpses into the origins of baseball as we know it today I believe the Old Judge set wins hands down.

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Posted By: Darren J. Duet

okay, from now on I'll refer to the Old Judge set as "THE BEAST"

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Posted By: T206Collector

They are primitive and ugly -- brown photos of guys that look like they just stepped out of a rodeo. I half expect to see guns in holsters on their belts and spurs on the boots of their feet. If you're going to delve into the 1800's, I would much rather go with A&G or Goodwin Champions -- those are some beautiful cards. If black and white appeals to you, go with Mayo Cut Plugs, which are really beautiful too.

Color aside (and it is a big aside), I also go with T206 because I prefer the players of the post-AL/NL/World Series era -- especially Christy Mathewson. Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson are just the icing on the cake. Oh yeah, I shouldn't forget to mention that the set boasts the jewel of them all -- Mr. Wagner.

Great color, great players, ginormous size and Honus freakin' Wagner. Indeed, most pre-war collectors start off with T206 and then branch out when they broaden or develop their tastes a little bit. But it all starts here. Welcome home!

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Posted By: zach

Old Judge in a heartbeat. I like the actual picture then a drawing of the player. As far as the whole gun bit which was stated, I think thats what makes them cool. Thats what baseball was like back then, the oj set captures the good ol' days. You can like what you like and thats what makes the hobby great but the old judge set does produce many cards equal in rarity to the Honus Wagner T206. Many just of a no named player but you can't forget about the Anson in uniform which is much much more rare than the Wagner T206.

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Posted By: Glenn

I don't collect either set, but, having owned a handful, I prefer T206. It is the set that got me interested in pre-war cards in the first place, and I believe the Wagner's status as Holy Grail of the hobby is due to the popularity of the T206 set more so than the other way around.

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Posted By: DJ

By my name, you can guess where I am going. I love Old Judges. I admit that I am trying to complete the T206 set (give me ten more years), but I prefer the N172's, especially HOF beaters, The Freshest Man On Earth, Ice Box and Piano Legs.

DJ

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Posted By: Anonymous

to me, affordability. t206 is a lot cheaper by far to collect. OJ, u will be spending alittle more, but both are vary nice sets.

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Posted By: john/z28jd

I like both about the same and collect both of them almost exclusively.I like the fact OJs are real pictures but also the fact that t206s are more readily available and if you want them a decent common player doesnt cost $200+.

If for some stupid reason i had to chose to have only t206s or only OJ cards id have a very tough choice to make and im sure regret it at some times

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Posted By: Joe_G.

I'm very one sided on this but will start saying I can see the attraction with the more affordable T206 set. But money aside, I don't see how anyone could prefer an equivalent T206 over an Old Judge. Put a pair of Connie Mack cards together and ask yourself which card has more character, better captures a time period and allows you to connect with the player/manager/umpire/mascot. Lastly, variety; whether you like HOFers, teams, poses, obtainable cards, unobtainable cards, or all the above, OJ has it.

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Posted By: T206Collector

...back variations?

I think I might like OJ's better if most of the examples I've seen didn't look like they spent too much time fading in the sun. Even on a relatively affordable T206, you can get a card with snow white borders and crisp fresh color.

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Posted By: Joe_G.

I'll give you back variations, that does add another element of interest to the T206. But even there, Goodwin & Co. gave us brand options (Old Judge vs Gypsy Queen vs Dogs Head) and to the experienced eye an easy way to tell each year apart (1887 different from 1888 different from 1889 different from 1890).




Here you have an 1887 Jack Rowe followed by an 1888 example and a Gypsy Queen.

Regards,
Joe Gonsowski

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Posted By: identify7

Back variations?

How about front variations!

In addition to the variations shown by Joe G. above, many players appear in a dozen or more poses. Others have five or more.