19th century " Holy Grail "

[barrysloate]

Hi Jimmy- sorry I missed that.

[chiprop]

I understand we are talking about "The Grail", but ... '52 Mantle has thousands of examples, and the t-206 Wagner has close to a hundred. Both common in their respective sets and in my opinion very over rated. I think the grail in pre war is the Baltimore Ruth or t210 Jax. In 19th century, 4bh Kelly is unreal and one of the top 5 cards in the hobbby hands down.

[GaryPassamonte]

The props in the FBH Kelly are different than in the cabinet of Kelly. Also, no Boston on the FBH Kelly's shirt. I know the BOSTON could have been added, but what about the props. Different shoots?

[oldjudge]

There is only one great 19th century set and that is the Old Judge set. Anson in Uniform is a true rarity, of possibly the greatest 19th century player, and the key card of the set, which is why it is my choice. Kelly 4BH is a great card, but it is from a set that cannot practically be collected. I would think that the K-Bat Ewing is a better choice than the Kelly, but still no where near the Anson in Uniform level. The K-Bat Ewing is a rare card of a better player than Kelly (I think Kelly is possibly the most over rated 19thy century player--but that is another story). BTW, these debates are always fun.

[chiprop]

I don't know too much about 19th century, but the 4bh is a very cool looking card.

[benjulmag]

My third choice after the Creighton and Kelly would be the Just So Young. Like Four Base Hits, Just Sos are incredibly rare; for a type collector getting a common is very difficult. What makes the Young so special is that it is the only 19th century card (excluding studio cabinets) of arguably the greatest pitcher of all time, and shows him young and trim near the outset of his career. Another ten years will pass before his next card.

I agree with Jay; this is a fun debate.

[ElCabron]

For me, it's the Creighton. Nothing else even comes close.

Without the "For me" qualifier, I think the answer has to be Anson in uniform followed by Just So Cy Young.

The T206 Wagner is clearly the "Holy Grail" of all baseball cards, even though it's far from that for me.

So I guess if you ask me what THE Holy Grail of 19th century cards is, I will say Anson in uniform. And if you ask me what MY Holy Grail of 19th century cards is, I will say the Creighton Peck & Snyder.

-Ryan

[Leon]

Originally Posted by NoizeBringer

For me, it's the Creighton. Nothing else even comes close.

Without the "For me" qualifier, I think the answer has to be Anson in uniform followed by Just So Cy Young.

The T206 Wagner is clearly the "Holy Grail" of all baseball cards, even though it's far from that for me.

So I guess if you ask me what THE Holy Grail of 19th century cards is, I will say Anson in uniform. And if you ask me what MY Holy Grail of 19th century cards is, I will say the Creighton Peck & Snyder.

-Ryan

Most folks in this thread are missing the boat by giving the right answer to the wrong question.....Above Gary stated one of the criteria...

"It would have to be a special player from a classic set that is available enough to be collectible."

I would challenge anyone to show me how that question is answered with most of these answers. Are these mentioned cards available enough to be collectible? Nice debate and certainly what this board is best at.....(imo)