What are your specific quirks and habits with collecting?

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by Leon

Most of us on this side (pre-wwII) don't collect by 9s and sub-grades as very few of our cards meet that grade level. However, the second part of your question is what collecting is ALL about to a lot of us. It is finding the right card that meets OUR expectations, at a price we are willing to pay. That is almost all the fun for me. And to answer your questions specifically, I pass on cards almost every single day as they don't meet my expectations. This card will be making its way to me very soon as it should ship in a few days. I wouldn't have gone for it had it not had centering, borders and scarcity I look for. I am not focused right now except on cards I like with great centering and borders.....to each their own. And by passing on a lot of stuff it makes the journey longer and better. (to me)

Thanks for sharing! I can see by most of you (pre-wwII) collectors, it would be insanely expensive, also rare to find I'm sure, the best of the best condition. I admire the pride many of you take in your cards. I don't know enough about early cards, but am learning a lot here. Don't want to jump in too quickly at this point. Great stuff everyone!

[SyrNy1960]

If you don't mind me asking, what is the goal for many (pre-wwII) collectors? Collecting individual cards? Completing sets? Modern day collectors like to collect Star players. Don't believe that is the case for (pre-wwII) collectors (other than the big boys Ruth, Gehrig, etc. etc.). Thanks!

[packs]

I like to collect low grade examples with nicer eye appeal. It allows me to get a card I've always wanted at a price I'm comfortable with and it still looks great. I am not a "grade" guy. I don't even look at high grade pre-war because I either can't afford it or I assume the card was trimmed. I prefer cards that look like they belonged to a kid like me once:

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by packs

I like to collect low grade examples with nicer eye appeal. It allows me to get a card I've always wanted at a price I'm comfortable with and it still looks great. I am not a "grade" guy. I don't even look at high grade pre-war because I either can't afford it or I assume the card was trimmed. I prefer cards that look like they belonged to a kid like me once:

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[Rookiemonster]

I pass on almost all relic cards now especially non gameused .

Autographs of guys with advanced age (Stan Musial) . One they signed a ton of crap over the years, two it's sloppy the closer they get to the end .

Base Rookie cards that are issued after that player already had a rookie . A year or more ago . ( it's a joke )

Vintage I also enjoy collecting cards that have been loved . I don't like completely miscut card . You know when the boarder is only on two sides.
Writing on the card is most often a deal breaker ( unless the price is right ) .
More then one big crease in the center of the card .

I once was in a trade with a guy that had a 1952 bowman mantle . It was missing the back . He also had a 1950 bowman Jackie Robinson missing the front . He kept trying to throw them in the deal . Like hey you can say you own these cards hahahahaah. No I can't half a card is not owning the card .

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by Rookiemonster

. No I can't half a card is not owning the card .

If that were actually true, I'd own a lot less cards than I actually do Nothing wrong with just getting half, particularly if you get the good half of a card!

My only quirk with collecting is that I will not buy a card that was written on with an attempt to deface it. If someone wants to update the position, denote a team trade, check a checklist, mention someone retired, great. If someone draws a mustache on it, I am not buying it.

[The Nasty Nati]

Centering, no creases, and good registration is key to me. That being said it's really all about eye appeal not the grade. There's plenty of vintage graded 2's and 3's that look better than 5's.

[begsu1013]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

If someone draws a mustache on it, I am not buying it.

please fwd me any mustache cards! ; )

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by 3arod13

If you don't mind me asking, what is the goal for many (pre-wwII) collectors? Collecting individual cards? Completing sets? Modern day collectors like to collect Star players. Don't believe that is the case for (pre-wwII) collectors (other than the big boys Ruth, Gehrig, etc. etc.). Thanks!

I am not a set builder. I don't have the patience or focus for it. I collect pre and post war. For pre war I go after cards of big names guys that I like, and for post war it's HOF rookies. Centering has become a major focus for me as well, although it wasn't at first. The cards just look so much better centered. I do allow for slight variance as it's hard to find truly dead centered cards, especially the older you go, or on certain cards notorious for centering issues.

[Snapolit1]

I am drawn to the artistic quality of certain cards. Realize that is of course entirely subjective. The first card I fell in love with was the 49 Leaf Jackie Robinson. Just took my breath away. Looked like something Warhol would have painted. Love the entire Leaf series for the bold colors. Just leap off the card. Goudeys the same. Just bought a Zach Wheat strip I found on eBay. Amazing colors. Having said all that love many of the older Exhibits which of course are black and white. Those suckers just tell a story. Bought a banged up John McGraw last week and love it. Guy's face looks like a catchers mitt. Some cards just reach out and grab you.

[bobbyw8469]

I will build and break the exact same set. I am on my third go round of building a Sport Kings set.

[poorlydrawncat]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

I will build and break the exact same set. I am on my third go round of building a Sport Kings set.

I find this very interesting. On the one hand, it makes total sense that the thrill is in the chase. For a lot of people owning a card is not nearly as exciting as the pursuit of it.

On the other hand, it seems like a sisyphean task that would cause a lot of regret and frustration. Can I ask why you collect this way?

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by poorlydrawncat

I find this very interesting. On the one hand, it makes total sense that the thrill is in the chase. For a lot of people owning a card is not nearly as exciting as the pursuit of it.

Funny you say that. I told my wife the other day that when I purchase something, I can't wait to get it. Once I get it, I'm pretty much over it after a day or two and then ready for the next chase.

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by poorlydrawncat

I find this very interesting. On the one hand, it makes total sense that the thrill is in the chase. For a lot of people owning a card is not nearly as exciting as the pursuit of it.

On the other hand, it seems like a sisyphean task that would cause a lot of regret and frustration. Can I ask why you collect this way?

Not sure. Mental issue I guess. I guess the thrill comes in finding the cards and putting it together for as cheap as I can. Then I want to see how much I can get for it. Once it's gone, I realize how much I like the set and want to build it again. Hey - you asked for quirks!!

[Leon]

Reading, learning and taking your time can't be over emphasized.

Originally Posted by 3arod13

Thanks for sharing! I can see by most of you (pre-wwII) collectors, it would be insanely expensive, also rare to find I'm sure, the best of the best condition. I admire the pride many of you take in your cards. I don't know enough about early cards, but am learning a lot here. Don't want to jump in too quickly at this point. Great stuff everyone!

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by Leon

Reading, learning and taking your time can't be over emphasized.

Unless you're already old...right.

If you truly cannot take 'it' with you, then you hope and perhaps strive for more time to enjoy 'it'.

I guess I'm just trying to explain some of my less-than-wise purchases, huh?
..
I never buy graded cards with qualifiers or cards where the picture looks nothing like the actual player i.e. some American Caramel issues, a lot of 'strip' cards, and the George Miller set.
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