Personal Pre-War Set and Collector Survey

[ullmandds]

damn Bob!!!

been collecting since 1975...strictly vintage since the early nineties.

ive never owned more than a few hundred pre WWII cards at a time.

i currently own approximately 130 pre WWII cards.

MY most significant cards from a financial standpoint would be my ruths and cobbs. I consider my dots miller run to be significant as a depiction of the world outside of T206.

I currently own no complete pre WWII sets. I have owned e90-2,e94,e93,e95.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

damn Bob!!!

MY most significant cards from a financial standpoint would be my ruths and cobbs. I consider my dots miller run to be significant as a depiction of the world outside of T206.

LOL, thanks. Always picked up things when I thought it was a decent price, but didn't focus on just stars/HOFers, and clearly look at mostly lower graded items that are affordable. I've always done the polar opposite of what the "smart" collectors always seem to say, and have collected quantity over quality. Figured this type of survey question would be good for similar minded collectors as well. I'm sure there are many others like me out there.

Oh, and the #4 question regarding significant items you own isn't strictly a "most valuable card "question. Many things can be significant, but not necessarily as expensive as other items due to such rarity or lack of general knowledge regarding a particular item. For instance, I've seen your Dots Miller card run with the weird looking oversize glove on it, and it is super impressive. I also know from completing my own E102 set that that Miller card from the E102 set is almost impossible to find, and thus a somewhat significant card. Not as familiar with every set you have one of those Miller cards for, but I'll bet that E102 Miller was a little tougher to get than many of the others.

Great to hear about your collection and what you have. (And thank goodness I only listed sets I have 75% or more of, and only talking pre-war, or I'd probably still be typing. LOL)

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by BobC

LOL, thanks. Always picked up things when I thought it was a decent price, but didn't focus on just stars/HOFers, and clearly look at mostly lower graded items that are affordable. I've always done the polar opposite of what the "smart" collectors always seem to say, and have collected quantity over quality. Figured this type of survey question would be good for similar minded collectors as well. I'm sure there are many others like me out there.

Oh, and the #4 question regarding significant items you own isn't strictly a "most valuable card "question. Many things can be significant, but not necessarily as expensive as other items due to such rarity or lack of general knowledge regarding a particular item. For instance, I've seen your Dots Miller card run with the weird looking oversize glove on it, and it is super impressive. I also know from completing my own E102 set that that Miller card from the E102 set is almost impossible to find, and thus a somewhat significant card. Not as familiar with every set you have one of those Miller cards for, but I'll bet that E102 Miller was a little tougher to get than many of the others.

Great to hear about your collection and what you have. (And thank goodness I only listed sets I have 75% or more of, and only talking pre-war, or I'd probably still be typing. LOL)

Bob...the 102 was my first...thus starting the run!!!

[familytoad]

I’m looking forward to reading this thread, I hope it generates a lot of response!

It’s a little too much for me to type out with my thumbs on my phone tonight, but I’m going to craft a reply when I get on a keyboard.
I love the prewar cards. I’m fortunate to have quite a few.
I have almost all the mainstream postwar too, but they are far less exciting.

Great stuff so far. Wow!

[rats60]

I started collecting in 1967. Got my first prewar card in 1974 from Card Collectors Co.

I have complete sets of
t205
t206
1933 Goudey
1941 Play Ball

I have Pirate team sets of
t200
t201
t202
t207
1934 Goudey
1935 Goudey
1936 Goudey
Delong
Batter Up
Diamond Stars
1939 Play Ball
1940 Play Ball

[BobC]

Originally Posted by rats60

I started collecting in 1967. Got my first prewar card in 1974 from Card Collectors Co.

I have complete sets of
t205
t206
1933 Goudey
1941 Play Ball

I have Pirate team sets of
t200
t201
t202
t207
1934 Goudey
1935 Goudey
1936 Goudey
Delong
Batter Up
Diamond Stars
1939 Play Ball
1940 Play Ball

That is a great collection!!!!

[BobC]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

Bob...the 102 was my first...thus starting the run!!!

You got real lucky then. That is about the toughest E102 card there is to find.

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by BobC

You got real lucky then. That is about the toughest E102 card there is to find.

I knew how tough this card was...this is why I got it in the first place. I figured since I had one of the toughest I'd go for the run.

[Casey2296]

Nice idea for a post Bob.

1. Had some pre-war as a kid, CJs & Goudeys. Got back in about 18 months ago. My focus is type collecting and a couple of E sets, but my collection spans 100 years of baseball 1885-1985.

2 & 3. Currently have 200 +/- pre-war cards.

4.. most significant to me would be parts of my West Coast type collection, T217 Mono, E224 Texas Tommy's, N321, E-100. Also enjoy my 1921 Exhibits Ruth and CJ14 Cobb, I never get tired of looking at those cards.

5. Currently working on an original circulation E98 Master Set 112/120 and a hi-grade E94 set 18/30.

I really enjoy pre-war collecting but also enjoy building post-war HOF groups from the 50's-70's.

-

[jayshum]

I probably started collecting pre-war about 18 years ago. In 2009, I sold off a number of sets I had to help pay for an addition to our house, and about 5 years later, I started putting the sets back together. I probably have about 1300-1400 pre-war cards including the following sets:

1909 T201 set
1911 T3 Turkey Red set
1933 Rittenhouse set
1933 Delong set
1934-36 Diamond Stars master set
1935 Goudey master set
1939-1946 Salutation Exhibit set
1939 Play Ball set
1940 Play Ball set
1941 Play Ball set
1941 Double Play set

I'm currently working on 1927 Exhibits, T202s and T205s, but not up to 75% for any of them yet.

I'm not sure what I would consider the most significant pre-war card that I own from the sets I have, but the T3 Cobb and the 1927 Exhibit Ruth are 2 of my favorite cards in my collection.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by jayshum

I probably started collecting pre-war about 18 years ago. In 2009, I sold off a number of sets I had to help pay for an addition to our house, and about 5 years later, I started putting the sets back together. I probably have about 1300-1400 pre-war cards including the following sets:

1909 T201 set
1911 T3 Turkey Red set
1933 Rittenhouse set
1933 Delong set
1934-36 Diamond Stars master set
1935 Goudey master set
1939-1946 Salutation Exhibit set
1939 Play Ball set
1940 Play Ball set
1941 Play Ball set
1941 Double Play set

I'm currently working on 1927 Exhibits, T202s and T205s, but not up to 75% for any of them yet.

I'm not sure what I would consider the most significant pre-war card that I own from the sets I have, but the T3 Cobb and the 1927 Exhibit Ruth are 2 of my favorite cards in my collection.

Very nice Jay! You have some great sets and a fanastic collection. I hear you about working on sets that aren't even close to 75% yet. For example, I've been working on an N172 Old Judge set and just trying to get at least one card of every player that was ever included in the set. The OJ set is slightly bigger than even the 520 card T206 set, with I believe the last Krause/SCD catalog from 2017 listing 525 different players in it, and there could be another player or two discovered since then that I'm not even aware of. Anyway, I've currently got OJ cards for 50% of the players in the set, but there are many known cards in the set that are so rare and/or expensive that I know the set is impossible for me to ever finish. So I'm planning to just keep going and see how many different player cards I can eventually acquire, without worrying about the card grade or condition too much. Figure I'm halfway now and starting to close in on 300 different player cards, and if I can eventually get to 400 different player cards, I'll be pretty satisfied.

So what do you do in the case of collecting a set where you know up front there is a card(s) that is so rare or expensive that you'll probably never be able to complete the set? For example, you mentioned working on a T205 set. So what do you do about the Hoblitzell "no stats" variation, which is almost impossible to find, let alone afford? Do you just get one of the more common Hoblitzell variations and consider Hoblitzell off your want list and the set complete without all four of the variations, or do you get all the other 3 more common Hoblitzell variations and just disregard the "no stats" variation in completing the set? Kind of like what some T206 collectors do in considering their sets complete at 520 cards and just ignoring the"big four". Interested to hear how you look at things like that.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by BobC

So what do you do in the case of collecting a set where you know up front there is a card(s) that is so rare or expensive that you'll probably never be able to complete the set? For example, you mentioned working on a T205 set. So what do you do about the Hoblitzell "no stats" variation, which is almost impossible to find, let alone afford? Do you just get one of the more common Hoblitzell variations and consider Hoblitzell off your want list and the set complete without all four of the variations, or do you get all the other 3 more common Hoblitzell variations and just disregard the "no stats" variation in completing the set? Kind of like what some T206 collectors do in considering their sets complete at 218 cards and just ignoring the"big four". Interested to hear how you look at things like that.

I do like to complete sets so I usually only collect sets that I think I can complete. It's probably one of the reasons I haven't ever collected T206s. Since the T205 set can be considered complete at 208 as a basic set without the different variations, I can probably convince myself that I completed it if I eventually get all but a few of the high priced variations, but to be honest it will probably still bug me a little if I don't have them all.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by jayshum

I do like to complete sets so I usually only collect sets that I think I can complete. It's probably one of the reasons I haven't ever collected T206s. Since the T205 set can be considered complete at 208 as a basic set without the different variations, I can probably convince myself that I completed it if I eventually get all but a few of the high priced variations, but to be honest it will probably still bug me a little if I don't have them all.

Jay, that makes perfect sense, set your collecting goals as you like, and don't worry about what anyone else does or thinks.

One of the big advantages of my working on so many sets at once is that whenever I look online, at an auction catalog, or attend a show, I literally always seem to be able to come across something that is reasonably priced and in presentable shape that is either needed for a set I'm working on, or is a type card of some set I don't already have an example of. I truly embrace the feeling that the thrill is in the hunt, and not as much so in the kill, to use a metaphor. My downfall is I use the Krause/SCD catalog as my checklist template from the one year they also sold the catalog as a CD (2009 I think). Makes it nice to just highlight items on the pdf file to check off what you have. And you can add notes and comments as you like, and print off any pages for reference or to take with you. The problem is you now have the entire freakin' catalog as a digital checklist so you start checking off everything in it that you already have, and it encourages you to keep collecting and checking more and more things off. Definitely gives you something to keep busy at. LOL

[BobC]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

Nice idea for a post Bob.

1. Had some pre-war as a kid, CJs & Goudeys. Got back in about 18 months ago. My focus is type collecting and a couple of E sets, but my collection spans 100 years of baseball 1885-1985.

2 & 3. Currently have 200 +/- pre-war cards.

4.. most significant to me would be parts of my West Coast type collection, T217 Mono, E224 Texas Tommy's, N321, E-100. Also enjoy my 1921 Exhibits Ruth and CJ14 Cobb, I never get tired of looking at those cards.

5. Currently working on an original circulation E98 Master Set 112/120 and a hi-grade E94 set 18/30.

I really enjoy pre-war collecting but also enjoy building post-war HOF groups from the 50's-70's.

-

Thanks Phil. Looks like you have some great items and collecting interests as well. Your mention of a West coast type collection sounds really intriguing, and very expensive. LOL. I actually also type collect on top of the many sets I'm working on as well, and have a lot of oddball stuff I've acquired over the years. In regards to West coast items, are you at all familiar with the circa 1936 Sports Stamps that were printed in various newspapers across the country back then? They included pictures and short stories and bios of baseball players, as well as individuals from multiple other sports (even race car drivers), that were to be cut out of the papers so they could be saved and collected. The old Krause/SCD catalogs would list some of the newspapers these Sports Stamps used to be printed in, but one they never did list were 1936 Sports Stamps from the Los Angeles Examiner. Was wondering if you ever came across any of these in youe type collecting pursuits? I believe for baseball players they listed guys in the Pacific Coast League. Would seem to be something you'd be interested in. Just an FYI.

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by BobC

YY

Thanks Phil. Looks like you have some great items and collecting interests as well. Your mention of a West coast type collection sounds really intriguing, and very expensive. LOL. I actually also type collect on top of the many sets I'm working on as well, and have a lot of oddball stuff I've acquired over the years. In regards to West coast items, are you at all familiar with the circa 1936 Sports Stamps that were printed in various newspapers across the country back then? They included pictures and short stories and bios of baseball players, as well as individuals from multiple other sports (even race car drivers), that were to be cut out of the papers so they could be saved and collected. The old Krause/SCD catalogs would list some of the newspapers these Sports Stamps used to be printed in, but one they never did list were 1936 Sports Stamps from the Los Angeles Examiner. Was wondering if you ever came across any of these in youe type collecting pursuits? I believe for baseball players they listed guys in the Pacific Coast League. Would seem to be something you'd be interested in. Just an FYI.

Thanks for kind words Bob, I seem to recollect the Sport Stamps being mentioned here in a post but I haven't done a done a deep dive into that type yet, I'm always interested in West Coast issues so thanks for the tip.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

Thanks for kind words Bob, I seem to recollect the Sport Stamps being mentioned here in a post but I haven't done a done a deep dive into that type yet, I'm always interested in West Coast issues so thanks for the tip.

I may actually have some Los Angeles Examiner Sports Stamps, if I can find where I put them. If so, I'll try to scan and attach an image for you to see what I'm talking about.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by BobC

YY

Thanks Phil. Looks like you have some great items and collecting interests as well. Your mention of a West coast type collection sounds really intriguing, and very expensive. LOL. I actually also type collect on top of the many sets I'm working on as well, and have a lot of oddball stuff I've acquired over the years. In regards to West coast items, are you at all familiar with the circa 1936 Sports Stamps that were printed in various newspapers across the country back then? They included pictures and short stories and bios of baseball players, as well as individuals from multiple other sports (even race car drivers), that were to be cut out of the papers so they could be saved and collected. The old Krause/SCD catalogs would list some of the newspapers these Sports Stamps used to be printed in, but one they never did list were 1936 Sports Stamps from the Los Angeles Examiner. Was wondering if you ever came across any of these in youe type collecting pursuits? I believe for baseball players they listed guys in the Pacific Coast League. Would seem to be something you'd be interested in. Just an FYI.

I am a type collector at heart and always will be. I dabbled in a mid grade T205 set but lost interest and went back to more type cards
The 1936 Sport Stamps were carried in several newspapers. Here are some from my last collection. I no longer own them.

[judsonhamlin]

-I’ve been at pre-war cards for about 35 years (oof, I feel old typing that)
-I’m at about 2700 cards and don’t sell much although I have some T205 dupes that I will be posting soon.
-I think my favorites are my Newsboy Mike Tiernan and T206 Drums
-complete or near complete sets: Batter-Up (-1); C46; Diamond Stars; E-90-1 (-9); E95 (-3); 1933-36 Goudey (-12 in all, incl. a 35 master set); 1939-41 Play Ball (-2); T201; T205 master set (-6); T206; Tattoo Orbit; W519. I’m also working on a few other sets like E96, certain N172’s and T222 but those are more theoretical at this point. Focus has never been my strongest trait.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by judsonhamlin

-I’ve been at pre-war cards for about 35 years (oof, I feel old typing that)
-I’m at about 2700 cards and don’t sell much although I have some T205 dupes that I will be posting soon.
-I think my favorites are my Newsboy Mike Tiernan and T206 Drums
-complete or near complete sets: Batter-Up (-1); C46; Diamond Stars; E-90-1 (-9); E95 (-3); 1933-36 Goudey (-12 in all, incl. a 35 master set); 1939-41 Play Ball (-2); T201; T205 master set (-6); T206; Tattoo Orbit; W519. I’m also working on a few other sets like E96, certain N172’s and T222 but those are more theoretical at this point. Focus has never been my strongest trait.

Great stuff Judson, you sound a lot like me.

[kmac32]

Collecting prewar for around 30 years and have maybe 300 slabbed prewar cards

Have T205 Cubs front/ reverse collection 149 out of 151 possible cards
T207 Cubs front reverse with all factory's possible
e121-80 and E121-120 Giante/ Yankees collection
Some Koester Bread to match
T210 -1 Jacksonville set missing DeFraites
Elmer Miller items including his 1919 contract
Assortment of press photos of Elmer Miller
s74 Cubs silks with different types

Fun collection in general

[x2drich2000]

Bob, that's quite an impressive list of sets. Here's my breakdown:

1) about 12 years. Like most I started with T206 but got bored so switched to focus on caramels instead.
2) probably around 200
3) again probably around 200
4) Most significant item I have is probably my E92 red croft group due to their rarity. Currently have 9 of the 18 that I know exist.
5) I don't have any complete sets, but close on a few: E93 (missing cobb), E92 Nadja (about 75% complete), E92 red croft (missing 3 that I know exist), and W554 (missing 3). I'm also very slowly working on diamond stars, E253, PC796/novelty cutlery, and T222.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

Bob, that's quite an impressive list of sets. Here's my breakdown:

1) about 12 years. Like most I started with T206 but got bored so switched to focus on caramels instead.
2) probably around 200
3) again probably around 200
4) Most significant item I have is probably my E92 red croft group due to their rarity. Currently have 9 of the 18 that I know exist.
5) I don't have any complete sets, but close on a few: E93 (missing cobb), E92 Nadja (about 75% complete), E92 red croft (missing 3 that I know exist), and W554 (missing 3). I'm also very slowly working on diamond stars, E253, PC796/novelty cutlery, and T222.

Very nice Richard, and those red Croft's are fantastic. I especially like that your set includes a Dots Miller card with the way oversized glove. That is the exact Miller image that Pete Ullman previously mentioned he has a Miller card run of. That oversized glove image is so weird, it is super cool. Some of those oversized glove cards of Miller are exceedingly rare. And good luck in completing your E93 set and getting the Cobb. Right now Cobb cards are ridiculously high priced, making it tough and extremely expensive to complete any set where you still need a card of him. I got lucky and came across a crappy, but reasonably priced, E93 Cobb a while back that got me started on my own Standard Caramel set. Lot of truth to the advice for set collectors to always try and go after the big cards in a set first.

[ullmandds]

Here is my run and for you DJ some early pandemic pick ups!

[BobC]

Originally Posted by Leon

I am a type collector at heart and always will be. I dabbled in a mid grade T205 set but lost interest and went back to more type cards
The 1936 Sport Stamps were carried in several newspapers. Here are some from my last collection. I no longer own them.

Thanks Leon, you saved me the trouble of digging out my LA Examiner copies to scan and post. However, I probably should still look for them to at least post an image of the Joe DiMaggio Sports Stamp I have that mentions him having played in the PCL. Also includes the youngest image I've ever seen of Joe D, he looks like he's a young teen.

This kind of relates to a different thread I recently saw on Net54 in one of the other forums about pricing and values of articles and stories out of the newspapers. Was surprised no one mentioned the Sports Stamps or Rinkydink Stamps sets in it. You would think these newspaper originated collectibles would have more interest and value. Like cards, they are still paper/cardboard based, were massed produced and distributed, but are much rarer in that their distribution was limited to one single day and newspaper is exceedingly more fragile and subject to the ravages of time and the elements more so than cards ever are. It is almost a miracle that any survived till today, unless glued into a scrapbook or otherwise compromised in some manner. Finding these newspaper cut-out collectibles in really nice, pristine condition is exceedingly rare. Definitely an undervalued and underappreciated pre-war collectible.