Theories About the Existence of High Grade Vintage

[mechanicalman]

Since re-entering the hobby a few years ago, the thing that has most blown my mind is the existence of extremely high grade vintage cards. I'm talking about T206s in 8 and 9s, Goudeys in 9, and even a '34 Goudey Gehrig in Gem MT 10 coming to auction from Heritage.

My question is - how do cards that, when launched, and were perceived to have nothing more than sentimental value, survive 80-100+ years through Wars, Depressions, moms, etc. in such amazing condition? I mean, hell, when I collected in 1985, my Topps pick-ups were probably in VG-EX condition by the time I got them home from the grocery store, and I cherished those cards as if they were cardboard gold.

I know I'm opening the doors to responses centered around trimming/altering and other nefarious activities, and I acknowledge that's a big driver. But I wonder if any experts know of any other, more virtuous, events that would have led to high grade material standing the tests of time. I'm aware of the Black Swamp find, the 52 Topps Mr. Mint find, but I wonder if there were other large finds that would have preserved cards. Any unopened Goudeys? Un-circulated T206s?

I don't collect super hi-grade vintage given my budget, but I'm just looking for a reason to believe in it. Thanks for your comments.