Broad question for the type collectors

[ValKehl]

When I resurrected my childhood 1954-60 Topps/Bowman collection in the 1980s, I first began completing these sets and other 1950s-60s sets. But, when I discovered the existence of pre-War vintage cards, I soon lost interest in this endeavor. Rather, I decided to collect type cards, because I liked variety and I didn't have the resources to try to complete many of the pre-War sets. And, I get a tremendous thrill from adding a type card from a very scarce set to my collection, even if the type card is in poor condition and not worth much (e.g., the 1917 Merchants Bakery card in the recent B&L Auction - lot #281).

Being a life-long Washington fan, to make it interesting, I decided to try to obtain cards of my favorite players - W. Johnson, S. Rice, M. Vernon, and P. Runnels - for my type cards. For sets in which these players do not appear, I look to obtain another Wash. player, or at least a player who played for Wash. at some point during his career.

Along the way, I have branched out a bit to work on a few Wash. team sets - e.g., N172, E120, M101-4/5, Holland Creameries, etc. - and I recently added E. Rixey cards.

One of the best aspects of this hobby is that there are so many different ways to collect!
Val

[tesitzes24]

I will definitely let you know when I finish the Cardinals team set....minus O'Hara St. Louis, I won't be dropping that kind of money on cards, lol. I've got the first two, Billy Gilbert (SGC 40) and Jack Bliss (PSA 3). I figure I can try to keep it in VG condition and above. I'm on a limited budget to say the least, so I am going to try to keep it under $50 per card as much as possible. From what I've seen, I might have to go over $50 for Bresnahan. I welcome any tips and feedback, so keep the suggestions coming. Thanks for the responses.

[rustywilly]

For me it was a way to introduce more variety while keeping a core theme. At first I picked my favorite portrait of each HOFer. And, I ended up with several examples of '53 Topps, '33 Goudeys, and T205s - three of my favorite issues. Swapping them out to pick up new types was challenging, fun and educational. I learned of new sets I didn't know existed. The T205s and T206s helped me gain an appreciation for back collectors. I like how type collections represent the changes we've witnessed in the hobby/game of baseball - the variety of products advertised, colors, equipment, technology, photography, etc.

RustyWilly's Portraits - The Types

[triwak]

Variety is the spice of life! Who said that? As a HOF collector, I always opt for the type of card that I have the least examples of (or no examples of - even better!), when I'm looking to acquire a specific player. Of course, other concerns come into play, such as cost, early vs. late career, eye appeal, etc. But I love displaying all of the different varieties together. Just more interesting to me.