The other side of the fence

[rhettyeakley]

I'll take it one step further...

Hello my name is Rhett and I am a prewar baseball card collector/addict.

But...I REALLY DISLIKE (Borderline hate?) T206's!

I own over 3,500 pre-WW2 baseball cards and I literally own ZERO T206 cards (on a similar note I own (3) T205's, (1) 1933 Goudey, and (0) 1934 Goudey's)

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

But...I REALLY DISLIKE (Borderline hate?) T206's!

I think that would be "white-borderline" hate.

[nolemmings]

Geez Rhys and Rhett, don't sugarcoat it, tell us what you really think

I'm not a T206 guy either--once tried it (didn't inhale) and still have a handful of them, so I don't consider them poison or anything.

Actually, I believe T206s to be a great example of the "to each his own" doctrine. The cards are very attractive, IMO, and the great number of ways to collect them makes them a solid hobby choice. I no doubt will add some from time to time.

Still, the collector in me wants a bit more of a challenge. I consider T206s a set that (absent the big 3-4) is fully doable at any time at almost anyone's grade of choice, limited only by dollars. You can finish it pretty much whenever you want if your wallet allows, assuming you're not trying to snag only the scarcest backs. That is actually a positive for many collectors, who don't want to bog down on sets that have some cards so elusive it could take decades to finish. I get that.

Me, I like to chase sets that will take time to complete due to some level of scarcity, such that no matter what money I might have at a given time there are going to be cards that just aren't readily available to buy. I also don't see set completion as such an accomplishment that it must drive my collecting--I prefer to meander over time and fill in what I need the best I can. This is what is most attractive to me about type collecting, although I like chasing a set or three also to satisfy other hobby hungers.

[mybuddyinc]

The day can come when you get old and sick and tired of life
You just never realize
Maybe the choice you made wasn't really right
But you go out and you don't come back at night, so

I'm just sittin' on a fence
You can say I got no sense
Trying to make up my mind
Really is too horrifying
So I'm sittin on a fence



Once did the Southern Leaguers, fun, doable, and sold them.

I think I'm with Jeremy on this one ...... luckly Ernie hasn't been documented with any other backs .......

howb.jpg


In the back of my mind, I always thought I might try a "150 Series only" run. The best looking cards in the series (IMO) and cuts down on the numbers.

[terjung]

I too have no affinity for T206s. I think the set is so popular first because of the Wagner's mystique. That probably introduces most to the set. The relative inexpensive nature of individual cards in the set and ease of acquiring them. Once that is done, the intricacies of the set likely begin to enamor those who collect it. This probably then leads to wanting to collect the set and thereby leads to wanting / "needing" the Wagner and elevating its desirability further.

Personally, I understand addiction to a particular set and obviously can see how it can happen for so many due to the ease of starting that set. Personally, though, the T206 set itself and its artwork does nothing for me. I like the era and the players, but prefer photographs of the players over an artist's rendering. Due to the photography, I much prefer the E107, W600, T204, Rose PC, etc. That is just what appeals to me. I also prefer not to have to flip a card over in order to understand how rare something is.

I'll admit that I do have some "artist rendering" cards in my collection (E103 HOFers), but on those, I enjoy that the "Williams Caramel" listing is shown on the bottom of the front of the card, so one doesn't have to flip it over to gain an appreciation for what it is.

We all have our own addiction to these little pieces of cardboard and slices of history. There is no one way to collect and the diversity in the hobby is really what makes it so great. I'm glad that not everybody collects the same way. That would just be... boring. So, to the T206 fans... have at it! ... and enjoy it!

Just my $0.02