Conquering Cobb

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Posted By: Matt R

One of my collecting goals is to obtain at least one card of each era's top stars. I have my sights on Ty Cobb next. It's just a matter of deciding which one I want to go with and patiently wait for the right deal. I'm trying to decide between going with one of the T-206 varieties or picking up one from the Cracker Jack series. I would like to have a Cracker Jack simply because it's a great looking series and I don't yet have any exemplars of that series. But if I'm not mistaken, the Cracker Jack is going to set me back a bit more $$$. I'm a little bit picky condition wise in that I don't want creases or heavy paper loss. Corner rounding is OK and I really don't care about centering. What are your recommendations?

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Posted By: Steve

Now we're talking

I'm financially hamstrung for the CJs myself. A compromise... The E95 is a nice 'tweener and affordable in low-grade nowadays.

Another plus, This shot seems the most sincere as most of his others are posed. Gotta love that safety pin.

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Posted By: Paul S

I think you halfway answered your own question. I believe a mid-grade CJ will be more than just a "little bit more $$" than a comparable grade T206. With the T206 you could even get a red background (if that's what turns you on about the CJ) or w/bat and sunset (two choices). Dependes on your personal preference.

BTW, nice post.

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Posted By: Joann

Matt,

The T206's are a great place to start with Cobbs. They are easy to find and fairly affordable compared to some other Cobbs in similar condition. They are also kind of classics in the hobby.

Bat Off is considered one of the most beautiful pre-war cards of any type or any player. It is really a neat card and can look good even in somewhat lower condition. The varied background is kind of forgiving of some flaws - it helps hide them in my opinion.

Of the two portraits, red is quite a bit more affordable and available than Green. I kind of like the face of Green better, but Red is definitely a classic and you just can't go wrong with that one if you prefer portraits. In opposition of the Bat Off comment above, I think both red and green being plain dark backgrounds tend to make minor condition problems more noticeable.

Good luck. What fun!

Joann

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Posted By: Matt R

This one is up for auction on e-bay. Too bad it has a crease. I still think it has some eye appeal and will probably be affordable. I'm going to watch this one and if it is still a reasonable price in the last few minutes I might take a shot at it.

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Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

Joann,

Is there back damage/paper loss that I can't discern on your bat off-shoulder Cobby? There has to be something in order for it to merit the same grade as the one with that unattractive crease. The main crease on your card is really nothing by comparison, so I'm assuming there's some back-related issue I can't see. Just curious.