Most interesting, esoteric sets - T206 collectors do not read

[HRBAKER]

but have found that I have gravitated toward sets that:

1. Have real photos
2. Have unique photos
3. and can be assembled over time with a great deal of effort, i.e., you can't go to ebay and find hundreds listed everyday

[rhettyeakley]

I'll echo the E121 sets as the red-headed-step-child of T206. Rarer, Quirkier, and TO ME way more interesting (but to each his own as there is no "right way" to collect.)

This (along with maybe the M101-4/5 series) is the only set that rivals the # of issuers and back variations of the T206 set. As of right now there are least 28 "sets" or "variations of sets" known to have been issued (and there are probably others)...

Holsum Bread (2 backs)
Herpolsheimers
Standard Biscuit (3 backs)
Queen City Cigar Store
Shotwell Mfg.
E121 Series of 80 (4 backs)
Haffners Bread
Clark's Bread
Gassler's Bread
Koester's Bread (can be viewed as extension of W575-1's)
Witmor Candy (3 backs)
Keating Candy
Henry Johnson Candy (2 backs)
E121 Series of 120
Lou Gertenrich Candy
Leader Theatre
W575-1
W501 (two types)

IMO much more interesting as players were dropped, players were added, some were only included for a short time, others through the entire run, new cards are still being discovered, errors, correction, changed photos, and most importantly to me is that the research is still in its infancy (and not many other people seem to care--which in some strange way makes me care MORE!)

Again, there is nor "right" way to collect and there is no "right set" to collect. Everyone has their own thing that flaots their boat. To me the T206 research field is a bit too crowded with too many egos so I choose to take my research efforts in a different direction.

-Rhett

[rhettyeakley]

Also, TO ME the true "Monster" when referring to pre-war card collecting is the 1911-38 Zeenut series. Over 3,700 different cards and a few hundred variations bring the total to roughly 4,000 needed cards to be complete. One could write a book on each of the sets, and still have more research to be done. Don't look into them too much because if you are a fan of baseball history the set will suck you in and never let you go!

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

Also, TO ME the true "Monster" when referring to pre-war card collecting is the 1911-38 Zeenut series. Over 3,700 different cards and a few hundred variations bring the total to roughly 4,000 needed cards to be complete. One could write a book on each of the sets, and still have more research to be done. Don't look into them too much because if you are a historian the set will suck you in and never let you go!

Wow, lots to wade through. I've been googling set names, following links, etc. It's very interesting to hear what makes each of these sets collectible to each of you. Some of them that I considered boring sound like they need another look.

[rhettyeakley]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Wow, lots to wade through. I've been googling set names, following links, etc. It's very interesting to hear what makes each of these sets collectible to each of you. Some of them that I considered boring sound like they need another look.

Scott, knowing you live in Seattle the sets will mean even more to you as the Seattle team is represented from 1919 on. There are quite a few Seattle Zeenut collectors though and the competition can get pretty fierce on some of them.
-Rhett

I am by no means near completion or anything as I currently have a bit over 1,800 different or so but you can check out my ever-growing Zeenuts on my website...
http://www.starsofthediamond.com/zeenuts.html

[Matt]

The T205 set is fascinating and doesn't get nearly the attention it should with all the different ad combinations, front and back printing variations and SPs. One other set I'll throw out for unique poses is the V100 issue - really great player content and images that are unique to the issue (and the Ireland stamped backs) which is rare for a 1920s issue.

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by Matt

The T205 set is fascinating and doesn't get nearly the attention it should with all the different ad combinations, front and back printing variations and SPs. One other set I'll throw out for unique poses is the V100 issue - really great player content and images that are unique to the issue (and the Ireland stamped backs) which is rare for a 1920s issue.

I'll agree with Matt! I don't know how I forgot to mention the V100 set. Unique poses, a large set and loaded with HOfers.
The M101-6 set also has a lot of unique poses and is fairly esoteric IMO, it's also a very slow burn.
To Rhett's point there is no right or wrong thing to collect, everyone feels the "pull" in their own direction. It's a good thing we don't all collect the same thing as the prices would be worse than they already are.