Old Cardboard and VCBC?

[barrysloate]

Both magazines are worth getting in their entirety, if you can find them.

VCBC focused more on memorabilia than Old Cardboard; OC, however, has many more in depth articles on vintage baseball card issues than its predecessor.

[Rob D.]

I suggest also picking up 1970s and '80s issues of hobby magazines, especially The Trader Speaks, when they're affordable. Even though I read these 30-some years ago when they first were issued, they're still educational now because they provide a glimpse as to the mindset of many collectors at that time.

As an example, in the late 1970s it was accepted within the hobby that 1954 Dan-Dee cards were a pretty scarce regional. Time has shown that Dan-Dees are more plentiful than what was once thought. I think it's good to have reminders that we're continually learning about this hobby and that "facts" can change.

In addition, even though a lot of the checklists you'll find in these publications have since been updated, it's interesting to track how and when new examples of an issue were discovered. Finally, it's enjoyable to browse through the old ads. If you were a collector then, you find yourself shaking your head about what could have been.

[Woundedduck]

Thanks for all the tips guys. Looks like about a $250 investment to get almost the entire run of both. If you had to chose one to start with which run would you get first? VCBC or OC?

[Joe_G.]

I have both and find myself reading and referencing OC far more than VCBC so if I had to pick one I'd take OC. However, VCBC back issues can be more difficult to come by so you may want to grab those while you have the opportunity (assuming it's a complete run) and add OC when funds permit.

[Bicem]

would pick OC

[barrysloate]

Old Cardboard is head and shoulders above VCBC for learning about pre-war card sets.

[joeadcock]

Old Cardboard