1915 Red Sox PC with Ruth vs 1906 W601 Tigers PC with Cobb

[Bicem]

Think part of it is the other options available. Lots of Cobb postcards from a year later (that most people consider his rookie card) to choose from whereas if you want a Ruth rookie you have the postcard or m101-4/5 to choose from.

[Lorewalker]

Originally Posted by Bicem

Think part of it is the other options available. Lots of Cobb postcards from a year later (that most people consider his rookie card) to choose from whereas if you want a Ruth rookie you have the postcard or m101-4/5 to choose from.

I think this is in large part a reason for the price disparity but the W601 also just goes not have the eye appeal of the Red Sox postcard. IMO, they are on opposite ends of the spectrum. When you factor in scarcity of the W601 however the price gap does not seem justified.

[robertsmithnocure]

I do not think that the Sporting Life Postcards were issued until 1907. It was customary for the Sporting Life to picture the previous year's team on their issues. They did the same with their oversized supplements as well. Here is an advertisement for their postcard set. It is from their May 18, 1907 newspaper and is the first mention of their postcard set that I can find. The wording "just issued" certainly indicates that the set was released right around the date of their publication.

[packs]

Anyone know where that particular portrait photo of Cobb comes from? He was on the team in 1905 too and Horner was taking photos in 1905. I wonder if that cabinet exists or if there was a chance Cobb appeared on an obscure team postcard while on the 1905 team.

[Bicem]

Originally Posted by robertsmithnocure

I do not think that the Sporting Life Postcards were issued until 1907. It was customary for the Sporting Life to picture the previous year's team on their issues. They did the same with their oversized supplements as well. Here is an advertisement for their postcard set. It is from their May 18, 1907 newspaper and is the first mention of their postcard set that I can find. The wording "just issued" certainly indicates that the set was released right around the date of their publication.

Wow, great research!

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by Bicem

Wow, great research!

Agreed. But I think there is a reason people are sure its 1906. And I see that Jeff just answered that.

Paul, that 1905 is awesome. Seems like an absolute steal at $3500. I think you could easily justify another 0, maybe two (00)

[calvindog]

Multiple players featured on the W601 dated 1906 were not on the Tigers in 1907: Chris Lindsay, Red Donahue at least.

[Bicem]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Multiple players featured on the W601 dated 1906 were not on the Tigers in 1907: Chris Lindsay, Red Donahue at least.

Could it not be the 06 team but the postcards were actually produced in Spring 1907?

I can't recall if there's a known postally used one from 1906 or not, Kevin Struss?

[robertsmithnocure]

Here is the corresponding W601 Supplement along with its cover which was issued at the same time as the postcard. The Detroit image is identical to the postcard. The cover clearly states "1907" and that it includes "Teams of 1906".

This 1907 Portfolio was offered at the beginning of the 1907 baseball season.