1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>RC</b><p>Acquired the attached cards today. Would like your opinions on authenticity, etc...<br />Didn't spend a lot since I am very new to tobacco cards even though I've learned much in the last week on this board.<br /><br />The T-205 Bell has a funny cut, wondered if it had been trimmed.<br /><br />I like the T-206 Bates, probably because it's my first.<br /><br />The text on both is better than the scan shows. Much clearer in person.<br /><br />Obviously I hope you believe they are authentic, but if not I still need to know. Will help me in the future.<br /><br />[IMG]<img src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w30/rc4157/Tobacco%20Cards/T206Bates.jpg">[/IMG]<br />[IMG]<img src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w30/rc4157/Tobacco%20Cards/T-205Bell.jpg">[/IMG]<br /><br /><a href="http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w30/rc4157/Tobacco%20Cards/" target="_new" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w30/rc4157/Tobacco%20Cards/</a" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w30/rc4157/Tobacco%20Cards/</a</a>><br /><br />Thanks for any info ahead of time.<br /><br />RC

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>I think you did well. Both are real. The T205 is a bit trimmed at the top.<br /><br />Someone is going to post saying that you were an idiot buying a card that wasn't professionally graded. As they said in the Emerald City, "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!" You can do just fine collecting ungraded cards. It is the best way to actually learn to distinguish real from reprints.<br /><br />So well done! And welcome.

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>Gilbert Maines</b><p>I believe that you have chosen wisely, gwashoppah.

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>RC</b><p>Thanks for the quick response. I'm well aware of the big debate, esp. recently on this board, regarding raw vs graded cards. I am not opposed to either, I believe there are advantages to each. Raw normally equates into lesser expense, which fits my budget, and graded offers security in knowing what you are getting.<br /><br />But now the problem is that the bug has bitten again!!<br /><br />RC

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>It wasn't a bug bite you felt, it was the ever-so-slightest of a nibble from a big-ass Monster!

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>Jason Carota</b><p>Congrats on your first T-cards! Bates' card was my first T206, as well.

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>Joann</b><p>A word of advice on the Bates. Remember it's your first T206 (or even vintage card for that matter) and never sell it. Someday when the rest of the aforementioned Monster has taken a big chunk out of you, and you have dozens or more of these cards, you will like knowing that you still have the first one you bought and which it is. <br /><br />I bought my first vintage card in 1999 sometime, but can't for the life of me remember which one it was. Even after great thought I just can't recall which I bought first. <br /><br />Joann

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Sage wisdom, Joann. She's telling you correctly. That Bates card is one to hold. Seems insignificant now, but 400 or 500 T206s later then you'll be wondering where he went, and you'll be mad if you let him get away.

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>Jim</b><p>Good advice about not selling it. My first T cards were 5 T206's that I bought at an antique store. Sent all 5 to SGC and ended up trading the 2 highest graded for some other cards. <br /><br />I'm still kicking myself.

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>RC</b><p>I've been known to be "rather obsessive" with things. I can't imagine getting rid of this card, but your advice is well-taken.<br /><br />I do need to get organized and sell more modern duplicates and perhaps some non-duplicate cards from the late '70s and '80s.<br /><br />RC

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>Joe Pelaez</b><p>Nice pick up.<br />As has been pointed out, the T205 has a slight top trim on top, it's an eye appealing card, but most important, you like it, and that's what counts.<br /><br />The T206 Bates is a nice beginning to the monster. ... you did well.<br />The more raw cards you handle, the more proficient you get at it.<br /><br />There are many nice things about graded cards, security in knowing what you are getting, is not one of them.<br />We read about mislabled slabs quite often.<br />Which brings us back to getting to know the raw, and depending upon yourself.<br /><br />Nice pick up. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br />Joe P.

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>The T205s are pretty easy to authenticate in person as the borders are covered in genuine metal.

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>RC</b><p>The curious thing about the T205-Bell is that while I know that it appears to be trimmed, it isn't just the top that is cut oddly. The bottom has the same cut and it measures exactly 6.5 cm on both the left and the right.<br /><br />Does that make any difference in it being trimmed or just a bad cut at the factory?<br />I'm not upset either way, I like the card, just trying to gain more "smarts" like most of those here.<br /><br />RC

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>Joe Pelaez</b><p>Is by handling more cards.<br />Picking brains alone wont cut it.<br />It's just like the only way to get to Carnegie Hall is:<br /><br />Practice - practice - practice! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br />

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>The T205 is missing part of the top... the card isn't tall enough.

1st Time Tobacco Card Purchase
 

Posted By: <b>barry arnold</b><p>Welcome aboard!<br />I am particularly happy to see the precious T206s wooing you.<br />But remember--the Monster will want you to quit. Don't listen to it!<br /><br />all the best as you continue to become one with this most captivating world,<br /><br />Barry