Most interesting, esoteric sets - T206 collectors do not read

[Runscott]

Assuming that you non-T206'ers are indeed correct that the T206 set is common, run-of-the-mill, over-collected and just flat-out discussed too much, what sets are the most 'interesting' and attract a more cerebral hobbyist?

I'm quite serious about this - let's face it, the T205's do not have extremely interesting poses. Oh yeah, they don't have poses at all. The T207's are kind of weak on the background...unless you like...brown. E95's and E96's, and most E-cards, just don't have many cards to a set. Many of the larger sets are just boring black and white.

I have tunnel-vision and can only think of OJ's.

Forget for a moment that I'm an a-hole, and give me your thoughts

[Ease]

Ive always loved the look of the t210 red borders. If I wasn't so poor, and the set so big, that's what I'd go for. Lots of toughies and cool poses in there. B&W though...

[z28jd]

Scott, the t205's have poses, the minor leaguers and those are great looking cards.

My 2nd favorite set for pictures are the t209's b&w, they have some great looking cards in the old stadiums. Best looking cards are the OJ's by far. If you ever get into them let me know, I have plenty to sell at the right price

[rainier2004]

Originally Posted by Runscott

what sets are the most 'interesting' and attract a more cerebral hobbyist?

It seems like the t206s can take an awful lot of homework and would be quite "cerebral"

I love Cracker Jacks, t200s as they are awesome, e105s although I have none and e107s now the more I read about these cards. That 1910 sepia pc 796 of cobb/wagner is also awesome. I think t206s are beautiful cards, much like Stairway to Heaven is a great song, but sometimes there's overload and the board is very heavy into t206s...glad to be different.

[Leon]

Well, personally, I like discussing esoteric sets....

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Leon

Well, personally, I like discussing esoteric sets....

Leon, you gave me a great idea - I'm going to start collecting quarters.

[bobbyw8469]

I like the 1933 Sport Kings set. It gives you a feel for the popular heroes during that period in the world.

[shaunsteig]

I think this is an interesting thread, but can I make a small request -- when suggesting a particular set, can you post an image of a card from that set as an example? I'm familiar with most of the names but can't say that I can recall which set has which particular appearance.

Thanks,
--S

[Ronnie73]

Scott, I'm a T206 collector and clicked anyways. Now i'm partially blind and my computer crashed but anyways, I do agree there are alot of T206's out there and also believe the T212's are much rarer and very under valued. T212's also have a very large assortment of backs. T212's would be the second set i'd collect myself so maybe you might find the same set interesting also.

[bn2cardz]

I have been attracted to the 1933 Goudey set since I was a teenager. One thing I loved about collecting cards when I was a child was reading the backs of the cards. The 1933 Goudey set gives me color, distinctive poses (not all portraits), is large set (yet readily available), and I have information I can read about each player on the back. I like that the 33 Goudey doesn't have as much branding on the front like the 34s do (though with some of the 34s I do get to say I own a 1934 Gehrig with out paying the price of a Gehrig).

Another set from this era that is nice, but is out of my price range to get are the Delongs.

I love t206s and Old Judge as well and the fronts interest me enough to be ok without the stats. The fronts of t205s and t207s have never attracted me, but I do like the info they provide on the back that is missing on a lot of other issues around the years. T201s are nice and have a little bit of the stats without any biography of the players. The 201s though seem to lack too much detail to really enjoy the image as being a certain person, this is a problem I have found with a lot of the candy issues also.

Another good set is the Cracker Jacks, but those seem too uniform (all the red) yet the images of the players are very attractive and they (like the Goudeys) have a substantial amount of reading.

[kmac32]

Like the E121 cards personally. Something about gray and white that is just awesome.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Ronnie73

Scott, I'm a T206 collector and clicked anyways. Now i'm partially blind and my computer crashed but anyways, I do agree there are alot of T206's out there and also believe the T212's are much rarer and very under valued. T212's also have a very large assortment of backs. T212's would be the second set i'd collect myself so maybe you might find the same set interesting also.

Yes, T212's are one of my favorites. I had quite a few when I collected previously, concentrating on the 1909 ones. There were a few 'finds' that resulted in a plethora of relatively cheap EX-MT ones, many with interesting stamps on the back, which no one seemed to mind back then. I had a really weird Ostdiek with a screwed-up back. I don't remember who ended up with that.

I think it's time for a beer.

[CW]

Although I do not collect the set, and don't know much about it (other than information gleaned from online sources and threads on this forum), I'd toss out T216 as an interesting, esoteric set to collect.

It's a regional set sharing the attractive poses and colors from the American Caramel sets. Not only does the set offer a few different backs, the thickness of the card stock and glossiness of the front will vary based on the factory of origin. Add to this the fact that the cards are fairly scarce, and are typically found in lower grade condition, and you have a set that is not only interesting, but indeed esoteric!

Here's a couple threads that discuss the set, along with many cool cards posted by members....

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...highlight=t216

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...highlight=t216

[Ladder7]

I enjoy the T206s and it's idiosycracies and these got me interested in prewar, like many here. Although attempting the Monster, I'm a type collector.

One set I would consider, is the E95s and E96s. Beautifully detailed and rich in color and shadows. Also, some poses are not commonly seen.

[esd10]

the set that always caught my eye is the 1915 e106 i know that most collectors dont like it because of the the brownish ink they used to outline the plyers but still i like it and wish i could afford to collect the whole set.

[Northviewcats]

I've always liked the poses on the T222 set. It would be my choice to collect if I wasn't working on the monster.

Best regards,

Joe

[campyfan39]

Isn't is possible to collect 206's and yet not think they are the best set or want to talk about them all of the time. I have alot of them but find them quite plain.
I prefer t205, Diamond Kings, 41 Play Ball, Goudeys. TB National Game and 52-59 Topps

....ducks

[atx840]

I'm all about the T206s, being inexpensive, in abundance and infinite ways to collect but generally I find a good portion of the cards quite plain.

For aesthetics T210s, T3s and oddly the E107s.

And there are a few T205 poses.

[zljones]

Great thread I myself cannot bring myself to collect T206 yet, I do not own a single one. I fell in love with T205, but I also fell deeply in love with N162, and am also fascinted by N28 and N29. N175 and N172 blows me away too.

I love the 33, 34 Goudeys and the Diamond Stars. 41 playball is one of my favorites. But another I would like to mention that I see rarely mentioned is 1938 Goudey heads up, those are a work of art to me. I only have one so far but plan to get more.

[2dueces]

T3's are the nicest for art work and design.
Always liked the T200 team cards.

[Danny Smith]

The t206 set was my intro to vintage cards. Ive got about 150 commons to go but along the way i've started a bunch of other sets. Just finished the t200 which is a great set with a few tough cards. Almost done with e95 and e96 which have all the big names and some unique poses. Working on the e105 mello mint set which is a ton of fun because its so tough. Ive got about 20 of those.

I love the t206 set because there is so much history but most importantly because it introduced me to the wonderful world of vintage.

[Leon]

It's been said before but sometimes sets are too scarce for their own good...which are the sets I enjoy and get very little attention unless I post pictures ....such as Gilmartin Printing......

[smtjoy]

I like to collect the oddball non mainstream sets for the most part, not sure why but I just like the fact you just cant go out and buy a set in a year like T206, Goudey 1933, etc. You have to hunt them down and can take years, which I like.

I really like the old black and white sets with real pictures, three of my favorites are Exhibits, M101-4/5 and T209. I just love all the action shots-

[Runscott]

[QUOTE=Leon;950695]It's been said before but sometimes sets are too scarce for their own good...which are the sets I enjoy and get very little attention unless I post pictures ....such as Gilmartin Printing......


Okay, I'll start collecting those.

Just bumping to get the troll post on the T206Resource thread a little lower.

[ctownboy]

smtjoy,

That is the same feeling I have.

The first pre-war card I ever bought was a T-206 Ty Cobb (it was around 1980, I was about 13 and I paid $50 dollars for it).

The main reason I bought this card was because I knew who Ty Cobb was, had heard of T-206 cards and I lived in a small town where the nearest card shop was over 20 miles away. Having no car (13 years old) and limited funds meant that I was pretty much stuck with collecting Topps cards as they came out each year.

In the 1990's, when I knew more about older cards and sets, my mentor tried to get me to start collecting T-206's seriously (it was EASY for him to say this since he had a Wagner and had been collecting them for over 30 years). But, to me, other than the very expensive cards (Wagner, Plank, etc) they were pretty easy to find and put a set together. I wanted more of a challenge (I knew about the various different backs but didn't know how rare some of them were - Drum, Uzit - if I had, I might have saved my money and bought the rare backs when I could find them. My mentor didn't tell me about the rare backs because HE was looking to add them to his collection).

So, instead I focused on rare or hard to find cards instead.

My big find was 16 1928 Star Player Candy cards which I bought for less than $100 dollars. Included were three Hall Of Famers and a Buddy Myer card (which wasn't known to the hobby until I showed mine on this board a few years ago).

My other big find was about 20 1923 Curtis Ireland candy cards (I only got one of them because my mentor bought the rest and gave me one as a finders fee).

So, if I had the money, the sets I would focus on (other than an Old Judge master set or a T-206 master set) would be; Gypsy Queen (large size), E125 die cuts, Star Player Candy and Curtis Ireland Candy. Non-card sets would be; S81 silks, L1 leathers and Cameo Pepsin pinbacks.

Edited to add pictures and to say that if I were to go to an estate sale, auction or an antique store and found a group of T-206s (or other easily found pre-war cards) for a good price that I wouldn't pass them by....
David

[HRBAKER]

but have found that I have gravitated toward sets that:

1. Have real photos
2. Have unique photos
3. and can be assembled over time with a great deal of effort, i.e., you can't go to ebay and find hundreds listed everyday

[rhettyeakley]

I'll echo the E121 sets as the red-headed-step-child of T206. Rarer, Quirkier, and TO ME way more interesting (but to each his own as there is no "right way" to collect.)

This (along with maybe the M101-4/5 series) is the only set that rivals the # of issuers and back variations of the T206 set. As of right now there are least 28 "sets" or "variations of sets" known to have been issued (and there are probably others)...

Holsum Bread (2 backs)
Herpolsheimers
Standard Biscuit (3 backs)
Queen City Cigar Store
Shotwell Mfg.
E121 Series of 80 (4 backs)
Haffners Bread
Clark's Bread
Gassler's Bread
Koester's Bread (can be viewed as extension of W575-1's)
Witmor Candy (3 backs)
Keating Candy
Henry Johnson Candy (2 backs)
E121 Series of 120
Lou Gertenrich Candy
Leader Theatre
W575-1
W501 (two types)

IMO much more interesting as players were dropped, players were added, some were only included for a short time, others through the entire run, new cards are still being discovered, errors, correction, changed photos, and most importantly to me is that the research is still in its infancy (and not many other people seem to care--which in some strange way makes me care MORE!)

Again, there is nor "right" way to collect and there is no "right set" to collect. Everyone has their own thing that flaots their boat. To me the T206 research field is a bit too crowded with too many egos so I choose to take my research efforts in a different direction.

-Rhett

[rhettyeakley]

Also, TO ME the true "Monster" when referring to pre-war card collecting is the 1911-38 Zeenut series. Over 3,700 different cards and a few hundred variations bring the total to roughly 4,000 needed cards to be complete. One could write a book on each of the sets, and still have more research to be done. Don't look into them too much because if you are a fan of baseball history the set will suck you in and never let you go!

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

Also, TO ME the true "Monster" when referring to pre-war card collecting is the 1911-38 Zeenut series. Over 3,700 different cards and a few hundred variations bring the total to roughly 4,000 needed cards to be complete. One could write a book on each of the sets, and still have more research to be done. Don't look into them too much because if you are a historian the set will suck you in and never let you go!

Wow, lots to wade through. I've been googling set names, following links, etc. It's very interesting to hear what makes each of these sets collectible to each of you. Some of them that I considered boring sound like they need another look.

[Matt]

The T205 set is fascinating and doesn't get nearly the attention it should with all the different ad combinations, front and back printing variations and SPs. One other set I'll throw out for unique poses is the V100 issue - really great player content and images that are unique to the issue (and the Ireland stamped backs) which is rare for a 1920s issue.

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by Matt

The T205 set is fascinating and doesn't get nearly the attention it should with all the different ad combinations, front and back printing variations and SPs. One other set I'll throw out for unique poses is the V100 issue - really great player content and images that are unique to the issue (and the Ireland stamped backs) which is rare for a 1920s issue.

I'll agree with Matt! I don't know how I forgot to mention the V100 set. Unique poses, a large set and loaded with HOfers.
The M101-6 set also has a lot of unique poses and is fairly esoteric IMO, it's also a very slow burn.
To Rhett's point there is no right or wrong thing to collect, everyone feels the "pull" in their own direction. It's a good thing we don't all collect the same thing as the prices would be worse than they already are.

[rhettyeakley]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Wow, lots to wade through. I've been googling set names, following links, etc. It's very interesting to hear what makes each of these sets collectible to each of you. Some of them that I considered boring sound like they need another look.

Scott, knowing you live in Seattle the sets will mean even more to you as the Seattle team is represented from 1919 on. There are quite a few Seattle Zeenut collectors though and the competition can get pretty fierce on some of them.
-Rhett

I am by no means near completion or anything as I currently have a bit over 1,800 different or so but you can check out my ever-growing Zeenuts on my website...
http://www.starsofthediamond.com/zeenuts.html

[photo111]

Getting the truth? Whose truth?

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by photo111

Getting the truth? Whose truth?

...and one for you.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by photo111

Getting the truth? Whose truth?

Leon, do a quick check of this guy's posts, please. I think you'll find him to be basically useless from both a human and vintage card perspective.

When did the board become so popular with children?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Leon, do a quick check of this guy's posts, please. I think you'll find him to be basically useless from both a human and vintage card perspective.

When did the board become so popular with children?

His name is Mich@el Pen.z and I don't have an answer to your question. From looking at his public profile stats, all of his posts, he has had 15 and 14 were negative. I guess some people are just negative people? My guess is he could be short lived for this board but we will see....

[ErikV]

Runscott,

While there is no arguing that the T206 is the grandaddy of all baseball card
sets, there is a reason it is called the "Monster." I for one personally find it
a daunting task to collect this set. Then, throw in all of its variation
backs, rarities and of course the big 4 and the entire proposition becomes
downright discouraging.

Three years ago, I began work on not only collecting a very nice E95 set,
but also researching its manufacturer, the Philadelphia Caramel Company.
Over time I discovered small nuances about the set such as the connection
of one special player included in the set with the confectioners' owner. I
also discovered the reason why several other players were included in this
set, and an apparent connection with premiums produced by this company
having a direct correlation to the overall health of the company. In short, a
unique sense of ownership and inside knowledge to this set developed.

While collecting a mere 25 cards doesn't seem all that challenging, I gained
a greater appreciation for each card, and for each set produced by this
candy manufacturer. Having once been a simple added throw in to a
piece of candy, each of these cards now tells a story that has been lost
through the passage of time.

In July 2009 I published my findings in a book form and had the opportunity
to correspond with family members from Philadelphia Caramels former
owners.

You now have one vote from a non-T206er!

[edhans]

Hey Rhett, how's that master spreadsheet of the E121/122s coming along?

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by ErikV

Runscott,

While there is no arguing that the T206 is the grandaddy of all baseball card
sets, there is a reason it is called the "Monster." I for one personally find it
a daunting task to collect this set. Then, throw in all of its variation
backs, rarities and of course the big 4 and the entire proposition becomes
downright discouraging.

Three years ago, I began work on not only collecting a very nice E95 set,
but also researching its manufacturer, the Philadelphia Caramel Company.
Over time I discovered small nuances about the set such as the connection
of one special player included in the set with the confectioners' owner. I
also discovered the reason why several other players were included in this
set, and an apparent connection with premiums produced by this company
having a direct correlation to the overall health of the company. In short, a
unique sense of ownership and inside knowledge to this set developed.

While collecting a mere 25 cards doesn't seem all that challenging, I gained
a greater appreciation for each card, and for each set produced by this
candy manufacturer. Having once been a simple added throw in to a
piece of candy, each of these cards now tells a story that has been lost
through the passage of time.

In July 2009 I published my findings in a book form and had the opportunity
to correspond with family members from Philadelphia Caramels former
owners.

You now have one vote from a non-T206er!

SWEET!

Could you please send a link to where we can purchase the book/get more detail?

[ErikV]

My website came down a few months. I'm not if this link will work or not.

http://web.archive.org/web/201003290...iacaramel.com/

If your interested the book sells for $12.99.

ErikV

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by ErikV

My website came down a few months. I'm not if this link will work or not.

http://web.archive.org/web/201003290...iacaramel.com/

If your interested the book sells for $12.99.

ErikV

Would you rather I purchase through this link: Philadelphia Caramel Book

...or by sending you a PM and getting your Paypal address?

By coincidence, six E95's just arrived in the mail 5 minutes ago. I continue to be amazed at how hard SGC is on these fragile caramel cards. They look fantastic!

[ErikV]

PM sent.

ErikV

[photo111]

I was just curious about "the truth". I thought maybe you had a message to send. Like a David Koresh kind of thing. Sorry I asked.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by photo111

I was just curious about "the truth". I thought maybe you had a message to send. Like a David Koresh kind of thing. Sorry I asked.

I admit that I can be an @ss - if you read any of my posts, this is no secret. My signature line was basically an f-you to all the trolls and second-hand glory leaches who have been giving me a hard time lately over expressing my opinion(s).

But along with being an @ss, I like to think I also contribute something useful to the hobby. The rapport that I still have with most T206 collectors on the board would indicate that this is true, if only just a very tiny bit.

Whenever I see a jab post like yours, from a relatively non-poster, I check his other posts to get a feel for the context. The context I get from yours is that like me, you can be an @ss, but unlike me, you seem to be an @ss exclusively.

Perhaps I'm wrong. Show us something.

[photo111]

I actually like most of your posts. But, when you start talking about "the truth" in big bold letters, come on. I probably have the worst pre-war collection out of anyone on the board. I don't have anything in better than beat to shit condition. But I love what I have and wouldn't change any of it.
I come here to read and learn, and I have in fact, learned alot. One of the things that I have learned:
Do not wrinkle the shorts of the second largest self-righteous clown on the board. He will cry to the moderator and try to get me removed because I threw a jab at one of the most ridiculous claims I have ever seen.
Hey everyone! The truth is coming!
Leon, you can kick me off now.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by photo111

I actually like most of your posts. But, when you start talking about "the truth" in big bold letters, come on. I probably have the worst pre-war collection out of anyone on the board. I don't have anything in better than beat to shit condition. But I love what I have and wouldn't change any of it.
I come here to read and learn, and I have in fact, learned alot. One of the things that I have learned:
Do not wrinkle the shorts of the second largest self-righteous clown on the board. He will cry to the moderator and try to get me removed because I threw a jab at one of the most ridiculous claims I have ever seen.
Hey everyone! The truth is coming!
Leon, you can kick me off now.

??? Don't smoke the hydroponic stuff.

Leon - please DO NOT let this guy talk himself off the board yet. He's getting amusing.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by ErikV

PM sent.

ErikV

Thanks Erik - I look forward to reading it.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by photo111

I actually like most of your posts. But, when you start talking about "the truth" in big bold letters, come on. I probably have the worst pre-war collection out of anyone on the board. I don't have anything in better than beat to shit condition. But I love what I have and wouldn't change any of it.
I come here to read and learn, and I have in fact, learned alot. One of the things that I have learned:
Do not wrinkle the shorts of the second largest self-righteous clown on the board. He will cry to the moderator and try to get me removed because I threw a jab at one of the most ridiculous claims I have ever seen.
Hey everyone! The truth is coming!
Leon, you can kick me off now.

Michael- anything you have said so far will not even come close to getting you banned. There have been less than a handful of people banned in 7 yrs. Just keep your name in your posts and you can pretty much say what you want to per the rules (everyone should read them). There are a few things that will get you banned though.....talking about someone's family, talking about adolescent porn, not adhering to the rules after multiple warnings etc....but just saying I am an ass, crappy moderator, this board sucks....as long as you have your name out there in your post all of that is within the rules. I try to be as lenient as humanly possible as I believe everyone has a right to say what they want to and give their opinion, good, bad or indifferent. regards

[buymycards]

Hi Scott, this is an interesting topic. I love the T206's, but I wanted to tackle a set that I could actually complete without being a multi-millionaire. I wanted a set that didn't have a lot of cards and a set that didn't have a lot of really high priced cards.

I love New Orleans, and I love the Louisiana card issues, so I decided that I would work on T213's. There are a lot of T213-2's around but there are nearly 200 cards in the set, so I decided to start working on Type 1's and Type 3's. These are beautiful, interesting cards, but I didn't realize how few are available. So, it looks like it will be a long haul, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Rick

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by buymycards

I love New Orleans, and I love the Louisiana card issues, so I decided that I would work on T213's. There are a lot of T213-2's around but there are nearly 200 cards in the set, so I decided to start working on Type 1's and Type 3's. These are beautiful, interesting cards, but I didn't realize how few are available. So, it looks like it will be a long haul, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Rick

Rick, it's a shame you didn't get started on Coupons about 8 years ago - there were a few hoards that were dumped on ebay at very reasonable prices. I think I bought 2-3 Bakers. They might have been Type 2's, though.