Any love for vintage bowman? Your thoughts?

[Volod]

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

Hey guys,
What are your thoughts on collecting vintage bowman cards? To Mr it seems like there is not much love in the hobby for collecting vintage bowman cards. Am I missing something here? What are your thoughts on this?

I suppose the reason for Bowman getting short shrift these days is simply that the company is regarded as having been "defeated" by Topps in 1955. So, in the view of many newer collectors who may see everything in terms of competition, the Bowman sets are relegated to an inferior position to the Topps cards. That, of course, ignores the superior art work and innovative photography that distinguished Bowman's efforts from Topps in the days of their rivalry. The 1951 Bowman set was the first I collected as a kid, and at that time, most candy buyers also thought Bowman's product was more attractive, since it easily outnumbered Topps packs on store shelves.

[BearBailey]

I like them all and feel they are underrated. With 1954 being my favorite.

[GasHouseGang]

I always kind of looked down on them. I especially thought the 1954's looked washed out. That was until I picked up some that were in near mint shape. I've totally changed my mind. Here's a "low grade" example.

[Bigdaddy]

Agree with the OP, and I don't think it's debatable that they take a back seat to the Topps sets from those same years. At least if you look at the prices (which are a reflection of demand) of the cards.

I had a stash of 1954 Bowman and had never really paid much attention to them. Finally decided to pursue the set and I now have a new found reverence for the cards once I put the set together in a binder. They really look good.

I love the artwork on the '51 and '52s (with 52 slightly ahead) and the photography on the '53s is heads and shoulders above anything Topps put out in those years. I like some of the smaller Bowman issues, but always find myself wishing the cards were bigger.

But, shhhhhhh..., don't let it out of the bag how good they are.

[Harliduck]

I love the later Bowman cards...I've built the 54 and 55 sets. I had a few 55s when I was a kid and they seemed like a piece of history to me...cool TV set cards...loved them. I plan eventually to do the 53's...

However, I do not care much for the smaller cards, the early 50s. I've owned a few through the years, and got rid of them. Cartoonish, too small, look terrible in a binder...just not interested.

[rats60]

I never liked the 1949 or 1955 sets, but the 1950-1954 Bowman sets are my favorite 50s sets along with 1955-1957 Topps. The 1951 set has Mays and Mantle RCs, two of the top post war cards. The 1953 set has the best photography of any 50s set. I think Bowman gets plenty of love.

[Zach Wheat]

In general most Bowman issues are under rated. Some great photo's as well. How can you not like this action shot of Pee Wee Reese?

Collecting Bowman sets are a great way for some of the new collectors to get into the hobby and pick up some of the stars for a reasonable cost.

[skelly423]

Originally Posted by Harliduck

However, I do not care much for the smaller cards, the early 50s. I've owned a few through the years, and got rid of them. Cartoonish, too small, look terrible in a binder...just not interested.

I may not be able to change your mind, but you need the right size of. Under page. The 1950 set in 12 pocket pages looks stunning in a binder.

[Tere1071]

I also believe that while Topps cards have a wide-based appeal and are collected by the majority of hobby enthusiasts, Bowmans have a selective appeal. When I worked in a baseball card shop and at shows in the 1970s and 1980s, vintage Topps singles sold quickly as there were a number of collectors building sets. Bowmans, on the other hand, had more of an appeal to those collectors who wanted to go to the "next level." They were also a bit more difficult to find as most dealers back then, sold mostly Topps cards.

From my years working full-time at the store (1979-1987), except for one occasion I can remember anyone bringing us a vintage Bowman set or major star cards for us to purchase. The exception was a 1955 Bowman Baseball set in good to very good condition (Mays and Aaron were in really bad shape) for which I paid $20. This was what the seller wanted and I wasn't about to argue. The store owner was pleased, to say the least. The damaged cards were replaced with others in very good to excellent condition and it sold somewhere between $150-$200.

Finally, I remember at the Strongsville show back in 1986, Al Rosen had a "gem mint" complete 1951 Bowman Baseball set for $2,000, which was a stiff asking price at that time. Imagine that set walking into a shop now, even a ratty one would sell for way more than $2,000.

Phil aka Tere1071

Complete 1953 Bowman Color, 1971, 1972, 1974, and 1975 Topps Baseball sets under revision as the budget and wife allows

Under construction:
1970 Topps Baseball - missing over 100 cards, mostly after #450 and the three insert sets

1971 Topps Coins- 107/153

1973 Topps Baseball 659/660, missing #305 Mays

1974 Topps Baseball Washington variations

[thatkidfromjerrymaguire]

1952 Bowman is my all time favorite vintage set.

When I got into vintage collecting about six years ago I spent some time researching which set to chase. My criteria was based on artwork, player selection, and affordability. 1952 Bowman checked all those boxes and I completed it over about a three year span. My biggest complaint is that Jackie Robinson was not included....but other than that, it's the perfect, collectible set.

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[thatkidfromjerrymaguire]

[Delete - double posted]

[Harliduck]

Originally Posted by skelly423

I may not be able to change your mind, but you need the right size of. Under page. The 1950 set in 12 pocket pages looks stunning in a binder.

Thanks Sean...I honestly didn't know that existed as I never really looked. Still not a fan of the looks, but seeing that in those full sheets is certainly intriguing. I may have to pick a few up...I've been known to change my tune once I have cards in hand...

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by Harliduck

Thanks Sean...I honestly didn't know that existed as I never really looked. Still not a fan of the looks, but seeing that in those full sheets is certainly intriguing. I may have to pick a few up...I've been known to change my tune once I have cards in hand...

My '50 partial is currently in Cardsaver IIs. I will admit those 12 pocket sheets are intriguing.