CJ's - Do you collect either years or both?

[RichR]

I agree those are some really solid 1s with great eye appeal JR!

[jrlebert]

Originally Posted by rp12367

JR, That's a nice group of PSA 1' s...

Originally Posted by RichR

I agree those are some really solid 1s with great eye appeal JR!

Thanks guys! I am pretty picky when it comes to my PSA 1's... I guess beggars can be choosers sometimes.

[71buc]

Sorry for reviving an older thread. Although I have a few pre-war cards I have little knowledge of them. I'm sure that the answer that I am seeking is terribly obvious so forgive my ignorance. I own one CJ and have had it for quite awhile. How do I determine if this is a 1914 or 1915 Sam Crawford? I know that SMR is no more than reference tool and does not reflect real world value. However, the difference in the values listed between the 1914 and 1915 card is pretty significant. After reading this thread I now understand why. That being said how do I distinguish between the two years as they look the same to me? I have no desire to sell it nor do I ever plan on grading it but I would like to know what I have. The vertical lines to the left and right of the boarders are from my scanner. There are no creases on it. Any opinions on what it's value would interest me as well. Thanks in advance for any assistance or information.

[rainier2004]

Nice Crawford, and you dont have to aplogize for talking about cjs.

That is definitely a 1914. The ad on the back reads "10 million copies" versus the redemtion offer on the 1915, plus the back is oriented properly to the front versus upside down on the 1915s...if that card isnt trimmed (standard measurements are 3" x 2 1/4"), it is worth a pretty penny...Ill let the 1914 guys give a better approximation.

[btkpath]

Hi Mike,

First off, your Crawford is a great card......good color, nicely centered, no edge nicks/tears/chips. It is definitely a 1914 for the reasons that Steve already mentioned. I would imagine that it probably would grade a 3 or 4, which would come with a value in the $400-$500 range (IMHO).

There are only 143 more to go if you decide to finish off the set.

Best of luck in your collecting endeavors.

[Vintagecatcher]

I'm partial to the 1915 Cracker Jacks. I just picked up my 5th one. I like the heavier paper and the chance of having a high end one without the caramel stains. I also like the "all red " background cards better than the ones with the grass. It's also a cool set in that you can collect Federal League Players. I'm waiting to receive a nice Frank "Yip" Owens, Brooklyn Tip Tops.

Fact of the day: Did you know that Wigley Field was created for a Federal League Team?


Patrick

[T206Collector]

I would love to own a signed CJ one day -- there are a few out there. Marquard, Otis, Strunk, Rousch and Hooper are the ones I am aware of.

I have often considered collecting CJs. I am somewhat concerned about the the abundance of red, but I more often run into the same problem I have with the M116s -- a large stash of them were never put in with the caramel corn and were preserved over a great period of time in an envelope. Thus, you have quite a few sharp and clean CJs that unfortunately overshadow the caramel corned ones, in my opinion. You don't have the same distribution curve that you would expect based on condition of other contemporaneously produced sets.

Still, one day I may take the plunge on unsigned CJs. They are beautiful to behold.

[71buc]

Thanks for the information everybody. I think I will settle wth the one I have. I lack the knowledge and funds to feel comfortable enough to attempt a set. I do remember paying almost $100 for it at a show in tacoma during the early 90s. I remember because at the time it was the most I had ever spent on a card. I purchased it from mark McRae. I recall listening to him talk to other collectors and being impressed, if not a bit intimidated by his knowledge and passion for vintage cards. I almost purchased some zee-nuts after listening to him. However, the cracker jacks on his table were irresistable and this was the cheapest hall of famer he had. It remains one of my favorite cards in my own collection simply because of it's aesthetic appeal. Thanks again!

Mike