The New Guy...

[Iwantmorecards77]

Hello gang! I've been browsing these boards for a couple of months and finally decided to stop in! I'm new to this whole "vintage" game, but have long admired these "artifacts" of baseball's past. The funds...well, really are never there. lol

Obviously, I have a huge list of cards I would love to own one day, some of which may never happen but that's okay. I have always had a thing for the T206's (surprise!) and just recently dove right in and picked up a few cards. While I have owned just two T206's before (one common I recently sold and a McGraw Portrait), these few cards have really added a nice little flavor to my mostly modern (so kill me!) collection.

As a newbie, I have had my concerns. Again, the funds are on the low side, so I wanted to be careful. I've done some research before purchasing (a lot of it from this very site): detecting fakes, detecting fake holders, what "reasonable" prices are, past auctions (on the "bay"), matching certification numbers, and reputable sellers (plenty of feedback and 100% positive, selling similar items, etc.)

So, finally I decided to purchase a Ty Cobb "Bat Off Shoulder" (PSA 3.5), Christy Mathewson "Portrait" (PSA 3), and a Walter Johnson "Portrait" (PSA 2). While I am thrilled to add these to my collection, as a rookie vintage collector, I still get woried with all the "crookedness" that goes on out there! From this site, I've read about fakes ending up in real PSA or SGC holders, "doctored" cards, and so forth.

If any of you vets out there have any more pointers, feel free to share. Should I be this nervous when I purchase? (I've always been one to worry about everything - it kinda' takes the fun out of it a bit)

I know my cards are in PSA holders. The certification numbers match. The sellers have 100% feedback (and plenty of past transactions). They've sold similar items. The cards look legit. But this isn't always a guarantee! How long before we have a grading company to grade graded cards to make sure the cards are real? (that was meant as a semi-joke!)

Perhaps I am nervous because I am new. I thought this place would help me a long a bit. I still look at my cards and wonder how upset I'd be if they turned out not to be the "real deal." At first, I wondered why my Walter Johnson had a blue line around it's collar, shoulders, and the blue in his eyes was a bit off making it look (kind of) like he had four eyes (a Blue 4-eyed T206 Johnson! - Hey, I've also noticed the blue eye Wagner threads!) But after some research, I noticed some T206's print to be a bit off and some cards have this "blue lining" (even on a PSA 9 Walter Johnson Portrait!) So my fears about that card were put to rest.

I'm still looking at the Mathewson holder with shifty eyes - again, perhaps because I'm paranoid!

I'm sure these sellers (and cards!) are fine. Perhaps a seller or two is a member here (don't be offended - I'm still getting my feet wet!)

Again, I am a "newbie" with a long first post. I hope I didn't bore you and if any of you ever want to pitch in with a pointer or two, a very special thanks in advance!

Best of Wishes,

Todd

[ethicsprof]

Welcome aboard, Todd!
i'm always pleased to see a lover of the T206s join us!
i would suggest that you read and reread these threads as they are an amazing research tool.
i would also suggest that you spend some time with raw T206s so you can get truly acquainted with them via their incredible visual and tactile and even olfactory offerings. That way you will get to know them over time and not be quite as anxious about their authenticity. Still, I do salute you for being
careful as you proceed through this fabulous hobby.
you may want to get a bit more acclimated before spending quite a bit of money on the cards. Granted, some you have mentioned in the grades you indicate already are quite expensivie.
finally, let me add a favorite dictum/aphorism that will put you in good stead over the long haul.
'Remember the Monster wants you to quit. Don't listen to it.'
all the best and again,Welcome
barry

[teetwoohsix]

Hey Todd,welcome!!

Ditto everything Barry said.Also,you may want to check out the B/S/T area when you consider purchasing another T206.IMO,you wouldn't have to be so paranoid.I understand how you feel though-that's why Barry gave you such good advice-buy a few raw commons and study them.

Nice to see another T206 collector join the board!!Good luck hunting!!!

Sincerely,Clayton

[drc]

Off hand, I think you're safer since they're lower grade. It's when you're buying 9s and 10s that things can be scary.

Most T206 reprints look significantly different than the genuine cards, so identifying reprints shouldn't be too hard.

The colors weren't always lighed up right on the genuine T206s, so there can be shadows, lines, etc.

A little paranoia can be a good thing for the collector.

[WillowGrove]

Welcome is right.

I'm new too but have been going to shows since I was a kid in the 70's and my advice is to buy from dealers who you trust.

I personally do not know enough about grading to know the extent of the grading companies grading fakes so if this is happening on a broad scale - I'd stay away.

But if the fine collectors on this site tell you it doesn't happen very often, then have confidence in the services and enjoy your cards.

Either way - I hope you figure out how to get the enjoyment from collecting that you want. I feel your angst and hope it goes away.

[Iwantmorecards77]

Thanks for the help everyone (and to the individual who sent me an email)! I do feel a little more at ease now!

Perhaps I will check out the "BST" forums next time as well!

I did purchase a lot of Fair-Good+ commons (with various backs I did not have). I just wanted to add a little something to my extremely small T206 collection.

I also purchased a PSA 4 hall of famer, but with a qualifier (there's that research again!). I do realize that "qualifier" cards are valued less, but it was a "cheaper" alternative to get a card that I really liked.

Some of you may read this and think: "Pfftt...rookie!" But hey, I am new at this and I can only afford so much! My next shopping spree will probably have to wait several months!

Thanks again for the help!

Todd

[Jewish-collector]

Todd,

You wrote "the funds are on the low side". You will find out very soon that this hobby is not for the financially challenged.