When did you start collecting pre-war/vintage?

[rainier2004]

Great thread boss!
I started around age 7 or so, and my first non-pack purchase was a 59 topps Musial bought around 1984 or so...its nrmt and cost me $12 w/o any negotiating. I was a BB history buff as a kid and absolutely adored my fathers heros. So I went after all these guys from the 50's and 60's. I wound up selling off a lot of my collection then at age 31 discovered my joy for 34 goudeys. Last year I dove deep into the 1915 CJ's and my wife has been hearing about them ever since. Man, the stains on those cards make them soooo cool. Again, even though I never watched these guys play I feel like a kid every time a package comes to the house and I get to open, inspect and then find the cards new permanent home. Thats one of the best and consistent feelings throughout my life.