Lou Gehrig Cards, Opinion Needed

[quinnsryche]

I would possibly like to add a Gehrig card to my collection and had a general question. What would be my best option for an affordable copy of one of his cards with the following caveats:
- Issued during his playing days only
- A photograph of him (not artwork depicting)
- A minimum size in height of a goudey (approx)
- Only him on the card
- $200-300 price range (card must be complete)
I know it's a narrow path but I figured who better to ask such things as the gracious and knowledgable members of this board.
Thanks in advance,
Tony

[canjond]

What about a strip card from the late 20's? You should find a rough one in your price range, some have real photos, and they are fairly close in size to a Goudey (skinnier width-wise though). W565 comes to find for example.

Also, for around $300-$400, you might be able to pick up a poor '34 Goudey and possible a DeLong.

[brianp-beme]

I'm not sure of the pricing (though it would be on the lower end of Gehrig cards) but in all other aspects the W517 set would meet your criteria.

Brian

[Matt]

The Butterfinger Premium is a great Gehrig pose and meets your criterion. Most of the 1920s strip cards are smaller then a Goudey.

[fkw]

all these in lower to mid grade should be had for close to $300 if not less

W517
W517-2 (scarce)
W553 (scarce)
W560
W565

R315, R316 and the late 1920s Exhibits are nice too, but they are larger than a R319

[quinnsryche]

Thanks for all the great ideas. One last question, other than ebay or the auction houses, where can I find these type issues and trust they are not fakes or reprints, since I probably wouldn't know one if I saw one?
Thanks again!

[fkw]

W517 and W560 are heavily reprinted.

W517-2 is found either cut from a 4-in-1 postcard, or from a vertical strip, but if cut close to the image its tough to tell the difference.

If you look at the back card stock color on the W517 its easy to tell the difference from the reprints (the reprints also originally say "W517" in bottom corner but this is either scuffed off or cut off)

On the W560 the image clarity (contrast) is the key on the reprints. The only reprints Ive seen on the W560s are a single color kind (red or black). The scarcer 2 color kind (red and black) hasnt been reprinted.

google images is the best way to compare them.

[glchen]

I like some of the Gehrig postcards. If you're patient, you should be able to find one in lower grade for less than $300.

[quinnsryche]

Well, after some searching, I have decided to narrow it down to:
R315
R316
Exhibits (1926, 27 or 28)
Thanks for all the help and I will now post on the BST for one of these.
Thanks again!
Tony

[Matt]

Originally Posted by quinnsryche

Well, after some searching, I have decided to narrow it down to:...
Exhibits (1926, 27 or 28)

Last I checked, I don't think those exhibits can be had for under $300, but it's been a while since I looked.

[fkw]

This is what you might find in the $300 range... Its long gone now, but I believe thats roughly what I sold it for if not slightly less...

[Matthew H]

I'd hold out for what frank posted, that cards a beauty!

[ethicsprof]

i'm with Matt W.
I love my gehrig butterfinger.
i say go for one.

best,
barry

[Matthew H]

Yes, Butterfinger is nice too. I've lookin' for a nice one for a little while. This is my favorite Gehrig card: (I think you could get one raw in acceptable condition for $400)

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Matthew H

Yes, Butterfinger is nice too. I've lookin' for a nice one for a little while. This is my favorite Gehrig card: (I think you could get one raw in acceptable condition for $400)

Matt - SCP has an autographed one in tonight's auction...

[Matthew H]

I just saw it, it's pretty awesome!

[quinnsryche]

Thanks for the scans, it helps seeing them. I will probably pass on the '33 & '34 Goudeys as I want an actual photo. The exhibit is exactly what I was thinking of. I gave the Butterfinger some serious thought but, am I crazy, it looks like the photo is blurry in every sample I saw. Not just a little burry but like the camera was out of focus. Any thoughts? If anyone knows where I could get a Gehrig exhibit at a reasonable price I would sure appreciate it.
Thanks all!