Pre War Set advice

[edhans]

E90-1.

[Econteachert205]

Join the t205 dark side.

[Luke]

I think e90-1 might be the best option. T205 is also a good choice. I'm partial to e95/96 (my e95s are attached), but they only have 55 cards combined.

I started out collecting the monster in like 2010 I think, and now 5 years later, I love the set more than ever, but I am not trying to complete it. I am just picking up cards I like, and having a lot of fun with it. So, you never know what direction your preferences will take you.

[CrazyDiamond]

Some great options and advice so far. thanks to everyone who has thrown some ideas my way.

I do think I want the satisfaction of completiong a set.

I often find myself at shows with no direction. I will often get fixated on one or two cards and the idea of owning these cards will take over until i have them. Dont get me wrong i like having them in my collection and whenever a card catches my eye I will purchase. I am not limiting myself to anyparticular set but would like to have something specific to look for and a goal.

I started with T206s - then I decided to collect just t206 HOFers - then it was portraits. But I had a hard time staying focused on it because i felt like no matter what I did I will never complete that set either way - simply because unless there is something hidden in my attic, I will never own the big 4.


Keep the ideas coming please - headed to the philly show this weekend so I think Ill get started right away.

[Al C.risafulli]

The great thing is that you have a ton of options, even if you're on a budget.

If you're drawn to the deadball era, you can chase the T207 set without needing to get TOO many big name HOFers, but there are still about 50 challenging cards, including 2 or 3 really tough ones.

You could also do Mecca Double Folders or Hassan Triple Folders, which are two great sets that IMO are undervalued and have a good mix of HOFers. Both sets are gorgeous and pretty readily available (particularly the triple folders).

If you're more into the 1930s, the 1934 Goudey set is a nice one. I'm also partial to the Diamond Stars - great assortment of players, gorgeous artwork, challenging low number series, no Ruth or Gehrig.

The 1930s also had a host of premium issues from National Chicle and Goudey that are inexpensive but have a great assortment of players, and a lot of really nice photography. The wide pen/fine pen issues of 1936 are great and I also really like the R303s (though the premiums aren't as readily available in graded form).

Either way, whatever you choose, the folks here will be able to guide you - there's a ton of knowledge on just about every set.

Best of luck!
-Al

[OldEnglishD]

Originally Posted by CrazyDiamond

I often find myself at shows with no direction. I will often get fixated on one or two cards and the idea of owning these cards will take over until i have them. Dont get me wrong i like having them in my collection and whenever a card catches my eye I will purchase. I am not limiting myself to any particular set but would like to have something specific to look for and a goal.

This is exactly me. And the fact that I personally settled in on collecting a 1934 Goudey set doesn't help because there are NO 1934 Goudeys at the shows in my area.

When I attend shows I keep asking myself 'What do you collect, Dave?' This generally draws me back to the Pre-1970 Baseball and Hockey HoFers. Mid-grade cause that's all I'm comfortable spending. And like you, graded is preferred (I've been away from the hobby for a long time).

It's still a pretty large collecting scope, but keeps me out of the shiny new cards, signed cards/items, world series tickets, etc...

In terms of sets to collect, if you are willing to go for lower grade cards, which it sounds like you are, the 1933 Delong set is worth considering - and is probably next on my list.

Dave

[EvilKing00]

T205's

[Eggoman]

I'd vote for T205s as well! Just wait a while before you get started so that I can get closer to finishing MY set!!!

[rats60]

I would check Ebay and see what set is the most available. I'm doing t205 and most of the cards are out there, it is just a matter money.

[bbcard1]

Everything I have done has been a fun ride.

You could start with a segment of the t206 set, as has been suggested. I had a good advantage with a fair amount of the set before I stated to get committed to it. The nice thing about it is that it is easily the most readily available set and there are always sellers, buyers, and traders.

A very, very low grade t205 was my first set. Here's a recap of my t205 project.

I did a 1941 Double Play which was fun, affordable and kind of interesting.

The set I may suggest, and it's going to be a love it or hate it set...is the 1933 DeLong. I love the look of the set and piddled away on it.

I also did a Roanoke T210, which is my hometown.

[pokerplyr80]

I'm almost finished with a 41 playball set. I personally think they're great looking cards, and there are only 72 in the set. Many HOFers, and it won't set you back too much, even in a decent grade.

[CrazyDiamond]

Again some great suggestions, references and advice! thanks to all.

I will be checking out some set lists suggested - along with pricing and availability and go from there.

The Philly Show is this weekend so hopefully I can get a jump start on one of these

Thanks again and please keep the suggestions and advice coming

[Zach Wheat]

Another nice "team" set with a high percentage of HOF'ers is the T200's. I recently completed this set and had quite fun building it. There are only 16 cards. However, 3 of the teams will be quite difficult to obtain (I found the most difficult to be the Boston Nat'l closely followed by the St Louis (American) and St. Louis (National).

I liked the fact that the cards were actual photographs and fakes were easy to spot.

Best wishes either way you & go and enjoy the ride.

Z Wheat