Is there any possible way to know how many complete 1914 CJ Sets exist?

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by btkpath

I capitalized "collect" to bring up the point that, of the four complete sets listed on the SGC and PSA sites, two of them were purchased as complete sets or essentially complete sets, and one was (as legend holds) obtained directly from the CJ factory There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it is very different than collecting a set one/several card(s) at a time.

How did someone obtain that set?

[rainier2004]

Originally Posted by I Only Smoke 4 the Cards

How did someone obtain that set?

Its all about who you know and cash talks.

I agree that cards are crossed over, busted out and the reports are a touch inflated...I have also contributed to this. You definitely lived and breathed CJs Barry for all that time. I also agree about collecting the cards one at a time, finding them in the far reaches takes some work opposed to buying someone elses set.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by rainier2004

I also agree about collecting the cards one at a time, finding them in the far reaches takes some work opposed to buying someone elses set.

The hunt is the fun part. I have met a lot of fellow collectors along the way and I look forward to getting to know more of you.

Alex

[vintagecpa]

Just my opinion, but I always felt more unknown raw cards exist than most people estimate. We can only imagine how many old-time collectors have no reason to spend the money grading their collection. When these collections are passed down in the family, not everyone sends them to an auction house. Many just get passed from one safe to another, especially within a wealthier family. If I had to guess an over/under, I would be between 40-50.