53 Topps, like to hear set info,and show your favorites

[ChiefBenderForever]

I think the set is great, I have always liked it. I have a Willie Mays PSA4 on the way that I won last week to go with these three. I picked up the Paige over 10 years ago, the Robinson 5 years ago, and the Mantle last month from Doug C on this site ! The Mays is one of the few non portrait cards so really excited about getting it, also is a high number which seem to be tougher to get. My Mays was only the 5th PSA4 sold this year so definately not around like the low numbers. I will probably get the Paige graded someday but nice to have it raw also. Have fun picking them up !

[J.McMurry]

Thanks Johnny,

Those 3 cards you posted above are 3 of my favorite portraits,and also 3 examples of why I'll probably never complete the set. E-X-P-E-N-S-I-V-E.

I really like that S. Paige.

[sportsamerica]

I too am slowly working on this set. Looking for a 5 average when complete. I also like the looks of this set as well.

[doug.goodman]

Tracking down the 80 different back variations is what made this set the most fun for me...

[J.McMurry]

Interesting, I never noticed that before.
Out of the ten I currently own, 4 have the black print for personal info.

is one more rare than the other?

[tedzan]

I sold my complete set, so excuse me for showing these reprints....but, there is a great story to go with them.

I was set-up at a BB card show in 1981 and a tall, mature looking gentleman came to my table and started to pull out certain 1953T
cards from my album. As he was paying for a dozen 1953T cards, I asked him why he selected those particular ones ? He responded
with......"I did the artwork for them".
For those of you who have not heard of Jerry Dvorak, he was one of several professional artists that Topps contracted to draw the
1953T cards. Jerry and I became great friends over the years.


Shown here are 8 of about 50 cards that Jerry did the artwork for Topps.




TED Z

[J.McMurry]

That was an awesome story.
Mr. Z just solved somewhat of a personal mystery for me.

I've always had a group of favorites in the set, which was based on the artistic rendering of the player. I've been a fan of mr. Dvorak's work all these years and didnt know it. All those players shown are my absolute favorite cards due to the artistic quality.

All this time I thought all the artist's identities were unknown.

[Dean's Cards]

1953 Topps is a great set. I actually prefer it to 1952, because of the forementioned art work. I was not aware of all the variations.

The reprint set is also very popular with people who can not afford the real thing. Although, Mantle and Jackie Robinson are popular - the toughest card that we have keeping is Satchell Paige. He is very popular, but has only a few cards.

Dean
DeansCards.com

[Volod]

I have the old BBC mag issue with the article mentioned above, if you would like to see it - much tantalizing info about the variations. I too loved this set because I always recalled swapping the cards in the old schoolyard at recess. Kids then let them go easily because they paled in comparison to the Bowmans from that year. Completed a set relatively easily back in the 80's, albeit only about EX condition-wise.

[J.McMurry]

I would love to see that article, can you post it or email it?