Type Collecting vs. Collecting wo/Focus

[trdcrdkid]

Robert --

I used to be a type collector, and in some ways I still am. See my type checklist from 1980 that I posted last week:

http://net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=239160

Even back then, as a kid, I didn't consider type collecting and set collecting to be mutually exclusive. I collected the Topps set from packs every year from 1977 through 1981 (and then Fleer and Donruss in 1981 as well), but I also wanted to try to get examples of as many different sets from the past as I could, because I thought it was cool to have these little pieces of the history of the game, and I liked old stuff anyway. It started in 1976 when I sent $2.95 plus a quarter for postage to Hobby Card House for one card from each Topps baseball set from 1952 through 1975. I thought those old cards were so cool, but on my very limited budget there was no question of collecting the entire sets, so I sort of became a type collector by default.

When I got back into the hobby in the 1990s, I had a bit more money, but still not a lot by any means. I was able to fill in a lot of holes in my type collection, including the more common T and E cards and some of the tougher T206 backs, which at the time didn't sell for much of a premium, even though they were hard to find. Once I had examples of a lot of sets, I figured out which ones I liked the best, and I kept picking up more cards from those sets if I happened to see them at decent prices. I quickly gravitated toward Old Judges and T cards, especially T210s, T212s, T205s, and T206s (especially tougher backs when I chanced upon them). I still collect all of those in an opportunistic way, adding more if I see them at a good price and they have decent eye appeal. The only one of those where I'm anywhere near collecting the set is T206 (I need about 70), but I don't really care if I never finish that. I just like having the cards and being able to look at them and see how the game has changed over the years. It sounds like you're a lot like me in your collecting, and like others, I would encourage you to collect in whatever way makes you happiest. That's what this is all about, isn't it?

[EvilKing00]

Im 1/2 way through he t205 set, & working on tobacco boxes from that set, but i also collect babe ruth cards as well as interesting 1800's cards.... And if I get a good price on a t3 ill pick it up as well. Im not sure what type of collector i am eiher

[Harford20]

I started similarly with set collecting of post-war cards. I then moved to a type-collector, going from OJ's forward. I seemed to stall in the T-cards (I also loved the T205, T206, T210, T213, T215 cards). I then focused on the HoF players from these sets. After "running out of findable/affordable cards" (missing only T205 HoF variants, missing T206 Cobb green/bat on [of course skipping Plank and Wagner], very few T210 San Antonio around, T213 HoF getting pricey and T215 HoF non-existent), I moved back to type-collecting. No offense to those that love the 1920's cards, but these did not grab my attention AT ALL.

Now to T205, T206 back collecting and various other T HoF cards. I have just called this the "David Collecting Style" (kinda fits my short attention span).

Dave

[Fred]

Collecting without a focus??? SQUIRREL....

[Bill77]

Well I do tend to squirrel away cards and not remember exactly where I put them... So yeah that works.

[gregr2]

I collect what I like and can afford with no apparent focus...and I like it!

[garymc]

I collect NY Highlander/Yankee cards. It started as Type collection but before I knew it I became fond of certain types. I am trying to put together E90-1, T202,T205,T206 and T207 team sets. almost done with those. That eventually got me into different types of runs, I'm working a S74 Hemphill color run, a Walter Schang (E121 type) back run, a Chase (E cards) back run and a T206 Chase blue background back run. Even thou my focus is in several directions I still have the opportunity to enjoy the chase of HOF cards, type, team, and color variations..... the joy is not reaching my goals but the joy is in the journey of finding my cards.......

https://www.facebook.com/groups/554519474738304/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151843924@N04/albums

[shernan30]

I was all over the place when I started collecting again a few years ago. At first I bought what appealed to me, but my personality needed there to be some sense to the collection. I now collect cards of pre-war players that spent time in the Columbus, Ohio minor league program.

I have over 200 players and doing a type style collection. Trying to get as many different set represented as possible. I assembled a sub-set of players when played under Carl Molesworth from 1923-1925. This resulted in 19 different players from 19 different sets. It was a blast putting that together last year.

I throw in boxing, and non-sport cards to help the bank account while fueling my addiction to cardboard. Just purchased an E76 boxing set and now working on 1941 Sky Birds and T37 Automobile Series.

Have fun and make sure whatever you do it makes you happy.