I want to start a new Bowman set 1951, 1952, or 1953 What would you do?

[marvymelvin]

I am wanting to start collecting a new set. I have it narrowed down to three. 1951 Bowman, 1952 Bowman, or 1953 Bowman color. I am just looking for your opinion on as many levels as you want to share i.e. difficulty, enjoyability, expense, display quality, length of time needed etc.

I will have to wait for a few months to start due to major spinal cord surgery, but will also be laid up for awhile, so I will have a lot of time on my hands to have some fun window shopping, looking at other peoples collections, browsing the net etc.

My first vintage card I ever owned was a 1951 Bowman Al "Flip" Rosen. It was in a shop back in the day when there were cards stores everywhere. There were a lot of hockey cards, new packs, people buying up 1980's stuff like crazy. I went in planning to buy a 1988-89 OPC Brett Hull "push pin" rookie. I had saved $100 for it and told myself that if I wanted one I should buy it today because it is just going to go up in value. I was also pining over a Hoops David Robinson Rookie. It was a mere $40. I thought if I could have the tandem of Hull and Robinson rookies in my collection I would be set and the envy of everyone.

But then it happened. I saw this old Bowman card on the far left end of a glass shelf in the main display counter. It was $40. I was mesmerized. I bought it and leaned it up on a shelf next to my bed. I was hooked. I never did buy another one from this set, until recently. I no longer have the Rosen unfortunately, (and I also went back a week or so later for the Robinson and Hull at $125 for the pair, not my best investment) but I still remember the amazing colors on that Rosen card. The royal blue and crimson on his hat, the shadows on his arms and uniform, classic batting pose. I thought "wow, if all of the cards in this set are as great..."

I have similar stories to tell about my encounters with a '52 Bowman Mantle but will save that for another post.

Brad

[ALR-bishop]

I am a Topps collector. The only Bowman set I have done is the 53 Bowman color. I did it because it has a great Musial and he did not show up in a Topps set until 1958. I reall like that set

[Section103]

For me, its 1951 all the way. It is my favorite post war set (if not favorite period) aesthetically speaking. The Mantle and Mays are not cheap, of course.

[BradH]

I started the '51s about a year-and-a-half ago and I love it. Started it in VG-EX condition and was nearly done, but then I won a very nice lot in an auction and have tinkered with it a bit and made some nice upgrades.

Not hard to find and I love the artwork. I really like the '53s too, and might do that set next, but the '51s have always been a favorite of mine.

Good luck with whatever set you choose.

[Exhibitman]

53 for me. The color photos are classics.

[savedfrommyspokes]

I am working on 50-55 Bowman's....I really enjoy the artwork on the 50-52s, and the color images on the 53s. As far as ease, the 52 set has been the easiest to build out of the 50-53s.

[Econteachert205]

I'd do the 53 bowman set myself, the artistic quality of the photography is perhaps the best of any single set, and the selection is superb. Expensive though, and does not look good at all under vg in my opinion. Not huge numbers wise though... I only have one card, of jackie Jensen, and I love it.

[brightair]

My answer - start them all.
Who knows which set you will have an opportunity to get a starter lot at a reasonable price? No point to pass it up just because you decided to start the other set.
Start them all, and work on them as time and opportunities permit. They are all beautiful and fun in their own rights, and you will enjoy the chases. Hopefully there will be time to finish or at least come close (the Mantles are pricey) on all, especially if you are not too condition sensitive.
Best of luck!
Richard D

[marvymelvin]

Thanks so much for all of your comments. I agree with all of your sentiments and this is why it is difficult. As for the Mantles, I have both a 51 and a 52. No 53 yet. So I have a big step already overcome. Now for the fun. I will keep you informed as I peruse over the next month or so and finally decide what to do. I like the idea of all three but I have trouble when I have too many things going at once. I am more likely to focus on one, but I do like the idea and will consider it.