In Praise of Pre-War

[Yoda]

In light of the fast-changing world of sports cards what with mergers, acquisitions, scandals and the like, I find myself grateful that 90% of my collection/inventory is pre-war. History locks it in and nothing in the record books changes. It appears that more collectors are beginning to realize what we already know: The stars of yesterday are just as important as those today.

The current volatility today is a bit frightening to me. Just look at recent sales of Michael Jordon's RC in a 9 or 10. Prices are dropping like stones. Even if you have deep pockets it must be unnerving to watch your beloved MJ RC plummet in value.

[HistoricNewspapers]

Originally Posted by Yoda

In light of the fast-changing world of sports cards what with mergers, acquisitions, scandals and the like, I find myself grateful that 90% of my collection/inventory is pre-war. History locks it in and nothing in the record books changes. It appears that more collectors are beginning to realize what we already know: The stars of yesterday are just as important as those today.

The current volatility today is a bit frightening to me. Just look at recent sales of Michael Jordon's RC in a 9 or 10. Prices are dropping like stones. Even if you have deep pockets it must be unnerving to watch your beloved MJ RC plummet in value.

Pre War cards will always be King in terms of holding their value.and being steady. The best modern card players can still gain in value, but the story is not finished on them yet, so they can be extremely volatile, and yes very scary if caught holding some too long.

The 1984 Star Company Michael Jordan Rookie is going up strong right now.

The third year 1986 Fleer Jordan card has come back to earth(even though it is still up from 2019 by a lot).

[Casey2296]

Count me in as a big fan of pre-war.

Every card needs a thread, here's one in honor of the Big Trains upcoming birthday, born on 11-06-1887. This particular postcard I believe is one of 3 known copies. The neat thing about the date on the back is this was Walters first date with Hazel who would become his wife in 1914. The story came from Hank Thomas who is a member here and also Walters grandson, he tells it much better than I do.

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[fkm_bky]

I love everything about the deadball era. The stories, the pictures, the books, the personalities and most of all the cards. I'll sit and read obscure posts and bio's of players, or books on the time and be completely content. I cannot stand today's game, and won't likely watch a minute of the playoffs. It just doesn't interest me in the least...which is strange as I loved listening to Herb Carneil call the Twins games back in the mid-to-late 1980's on the radio or going to games and keeping score.

Thank you all for providing an amazing outlet to share and be part of the pre-war universe!

Bill

Instead of a card, here's a picture of a Rogers Hornsby bat that my Grandpa used when he played semi-pro ball in MN back in the 1920's, and his 1st edition of Pride of the Yankee's (which I've probably read 20 times). These items that were left to me, helped spur my interest in the era.

[jingram058]

Could not agree more with the commentary above!

[ValKehl]

Phil, that is one fantastic PC of WaJo!

[jbsports33]

Keep collecting the old stuff, I have many friends doing modern and can be tough and hard to collect - I have a small amount of it at shows just for the kids! or sometimes the adults take it over

there is nothing like the prewar items, not just cards - all of it!

Jimmy

[BobC]

Originally Posted by jbsports33

Keep collecting the old stuff, I have many friends doing modern and can be tough and hard to collect - I have a small amount of it at shows just for the kids! or sometimes the adults take it over

there is nothing like the prewar items, not just cards - all of it!

Jimmy

+1 Great post, right on the money!

[skelly423]

I appreciate the stability pre-war brings. Walter Johnson *probably* isn't going to rise from the grave and pick up a felony DUI. His legacy is set in stone, and the risk of his off-field behavior doesn't exist. Michael Jordan's career is over, but he is still alive; he could channel his inner OJ Simpson and crater his card values tomorrow. Jasson Dominguez could suffer off-the-field catastrophe, OR sustain a career altering injury. The risk grows exponentially as you get away from pre-war and approach modern cards.

The safe money goes to the areas of less risk. There are far fewer factors that can affect the value of a pre-war card than there are for modern cards. Add in the fact that they're beautiful, historically important, and not mass produced, and it's a total no-brainer for me.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by ValKehl

Phil, that is one fantastic PC of WaJo!

Absolutely! Congrats on owning that beauty.

Here is a family picture of WaJo and his wife Hazel.
This originated from the WaJo family scrapbook and came by way of Hank Thomas.