1920's set collecting...

[Wilsing]

Hey all,

I'm looking for some advice/suggestions. Over the years, I have been trying to accumulate vintage sets that are somewhat affordable while also having a relatively fair represntation of the stars and players of the timeframe.

For instance, I've completed collector grade sets of 1952 Bowman, 1941 Playball, 1934 Goudey. I continue to work half-@ssedly on a T-205 National League set.

Anyway, I know the 20's are relatively slim pickings compared to other eras. I'm looking for some set to start. Something that won't kill me financially...but something that will take a few years, has a fair amount of HOFers, etc...is there anything like that around? The e121 set?...or is that going to be too pricey and complicated. I'm not into variations or backs or anything like that. Just give me a straight checklist and fire away.

I'm open to suggestions. I have a very limited knowledge of 20's collectibles and their value. I don't have a real good idea of what e121 commons even go for, let alone the stars. Anyway, thanks in advance for any ideas...

-Dave

[Brian Van Horn]

Dave,

I would suggest, as you mentioned, the E121 set as well as the E120. If you want to go a step further, I would suggest the E126 set.

[brianp-beme]

If you go with E121, and as you indicate you are not interested in variations, then stick with the E121 Series of 120. There are three variations that I know of that you can ignore (Whitted - Brooklyn, Rawlings with different positions listed, and Torporcer/Topocer spelling variations), but it is 5000 times more straightfoward than the Series of 80, which has multiple backs, font variations and new cards popping up all the time...see the recent threads on them to get an idea. I believe the total basic set is 124 cards. And they seem to be a little more available than the E121 series of 80.

I prefer the E121 simple design over the E120 tints and overly ornate border framing. The main financial obstacle will be the 3 different Ruth cards that were issued, each with a different photo of the Babe.

Brian

[Wite3]

1929 Kashin might be fun and should not break the bank in collector grades...

Joshua

[sreader3]

What Brian said -- E121-120 is the call. As far as I know, the only variations that you need to worry about are Topocer / Toporcer and Whitted Pittsburgh / Brooklyn.

Since I actually like variations, I am drifting away from Series of 120 and toward Series of 80. I have some Series of 120 cards that I might part with and you can PM me if you want to talk more about that. (I hope this cryptic statement doesn't violate Forum BST rules!)

Scot Reader

[familytoad]

My vote is the York Caramels from 1927. (Type1)
E210-1 features Loads of HOFers, plus the small black & white photos are very representative of the era (look at the cool period writing on the back about each player, which very few other sets offer)
Only 60 cards in the base Type 1, but a few minor variations if you are into that sort of thing.

Also, if you feel crazy, you can go after Type 2 which are 1928, features several unique players (including Gehrig ) but are much harder to find...

[smtjoy]

Lots of good choices listed, being partial to exhibits, I really think the 1921 is a great set to collect. Only 64 cards, includes lots of great action shots and full of hofers including Ruth, Cobb, Wajo, Collins, Alexander, etc. Also reasonably priced with only the Ruth selling for over $400.

[Leon]

Don't forget to consider the Exhibit sets too!!

[glchen]

The E121-120 is a great set, but there are 3 different Ruth cards in that set, so the cost can get quite steep. You might instead look at the E121-80 set, which only has one Ruth card (not counting all of the different name/back variations), and which IMHO is one of the best looking images of Ruth on a card. Something you also might want to look at is which cards of Ruth, Cobb, Wojo and Gehrig (if the set is 1925 or later) that you like the most, and go after that set.

(1) 1926-29 Exhibits - lots of great cards but with 2 Ruth's and 2 Gehrig's (not including variations)
(2) 1922 E120 - popular larger set
(3) 1928 Harrington/Tharp/Yuengling - numbered set, typically reasonably priced

[Wilsing]

Thanks to everyone for all the good advice and suggestions. It looks like there's more going on in the 1920's than I first thought.

Time to start doing some research on the mentioned issues and figure out which one I like best.

Thanks again!

-Dave