Let's see some cards from the lesser-publicized sets
 

I am very much enjoying collecting my T206 set, but on the discussion about what the culture of the forum used to be like, Barry made the comment that the pre-war forum has become almost too t206-centric, to the chagrin of many. As a newer collector from this era, I have seen just how easy it is to get lured by the high profile of "the Monster". It offers many challenges because of the sheer number of cards within the set, and the different ways it can be collected.

But I don't want to talk about that set today. Nor do I want to talk about the wonderful Goudey cards, or the Cracker Jack sets. I want to ask you guys to share your favorites from what might be considered slightly lesser-known sets. Cards that hold just as much history, cards that have just as much charm, only they lack the big spotlight.

So, if you please, let's see some of your favorites outside the "major" sets I have listed. And if you would, please tell me how you got interested in collecting the cards you're showing me. What makes them special to you? I would love to learn some more about the cards produced in the late 1800s, too. I understand that the Allen & Ginter sets, the Old Judge, etc are considered benchmark sets for their period, but I know very little about them. I would like to broaden my knowledge on these, too. How were the pictures taken back then different from those just 20 to 30 years later? Let's see some Hugh Duffy cards, some Cap Ansons, some Captain Jack Glasscocks and some Tim Keefes.

These are two very collectible sets, IMO. I find the D304s to be like small works of art. And the e90-2 Wags has always been "the attainable portrait," to me.

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images...2-honus-wagner

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images...1-d304-ty-cobb

Here's three E270 Colgan's Red Borders

I have to admit a soft spot for the American Caramel cards. I think I just like the candy cards in general. The D304 is new to me, however. The likeness of the Cobb is sharp, and I like the color and level of detail.

Good start to the thread, Matt! I'd love to add a Wagner portrait, but the ones I have seen have been way beyond what I want to spend. I'll have to look into this one.

Mike, where did one get these? You've piqued my curiosity.

here's a few
 

Not to be left out d303's...one mislabeled...and a token t216 mino.

Nice Mino Pete. I've got a D303 Evers that could be the twin of yours.

Bill, the E270's came in tins with gum just like their brother, E254 Stars of the Diamond I believe.

mike...i bet yours doesn't have a crease across his face!

Not only does it have a crease running through his face, its also mislabeled by a TPG.

http://photos.imageevent.com/mhgt/ho...03%20Evers.jpg

that's crazy...both psa and sgc mislabeled it!

Always loved the D311's

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3db92668.jpg

Generic Portraits don't help

I think the Domino Discs fits in this cataegory

I really love these cards too

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscad7d860.jpg

Howzabout some Cubans?
http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...a%20Thomas.jpg http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...20Warfield.jpg

I have liked the M101 4/5 set for some time now. I think one of the reason I feel in love with it was the way Mendelsohn distributed the cards to different companies to use for promotional cards. Lots of diversity in the set. 200 different fronts with 18+ different backs. Low grade common cards with common backs go for around $20 or chase the Babe Ruth card for thousands.

here are a few..

I hope to see some Frederick Fotos here-- talk about a very unique set, that also has a monster rare Ruth in it, too.

1888 S.F. Hess
 

http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...N321jSmith.jpg



TED Z
__________________________________________________ ______________________________________
LOOKING for these 6 - T206 guys to complete my EXCLUSIVE 12 red HINDU sub-set (12 subjects)

DEVORE....FORD....GANDIL....McGRAW (glove)....PFEFFER....SHECKARD (glove)

Here are a couple
 

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps3e4a7e9f.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps9ea58c1f.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...pscbef6e50.jpg

--------->Baguer Chocolates (Cuban, 1930)------------------>Clopay Foto Fun (1938)----------------->F50 Yuengling (1930; same as the other F50 ice cream brands)

Bill

M117 Sporting Times
 

http://photos.imageevent.com/uffda51...cards/M117.JPG
Hank O'Day - now a HOFer.

V61
 

One set which is frequently overlooked is the V61. It is a Canadian chocolate set issued with Nielsens Chocolates. It has most of the major stars of the era, has photos that were used in many similar sets and has a rare variation (type I).

Although the Type I variation is found less frequently than the Type II variations, it is a challenging set to collect.

Will post pics when I am back.

Z Wheat

Another Canadian Issue
 

How about the 1923 V117 Maple Crispette set:

W503 Stengel
 

Casey at the bat...W503 style.


Brian

Amazing, guys. You all have some incredible collections. I love my T206s (though I sometimes get the feeling that others look at T206 collectors as kids with training wheels on their bikes), but rest assured I am going to put together a very diverse collection.

With the inclusion of the Cuban cards in this topic, I have to ask if there were any major card sets produced for the Negro leaguers? I recall seeing one Josh Gibson card in a REA catalog, but it seemed to be a regional production. I'll have to go back and find it.

I love how baseball cards came in all different shapes and sizes, from the T3s down to the bottle cap sized Domino discs and Colgan Red Borders. And they're all beautiful in their own right. They employ all different kinds of printing techniques. And the advertising makes these cards more interesting. They combine baseball with Americana. I remember shopping at Gimbles when I was a kid in Wisconsin. Advertisements keep places like Gimbles, Marshall Fields, Boston Store, etc alive.

Ok, newbie question. Can somebody please explain to me what a strip card is? Are these hand cut cards?

N321
 

Sorry Ted, but it is a pet peeve of mine.

This is an N321 what you showed has been referred to as a N321 Proof, or paper thin, or Type 3

N321 -V -------------------------------N321 proof -V
http://www.baseballcardresource.com/...Borchers_A.jpghttp://www.baseballcardresource.com/...ad_Proof_A.jpg

Frederick Fotos
 

As requested

http://www.baseballcardresource.com/...to_Tobin_A.jpghttp://www.baseballcardresource.com/...to_Kuntz_A.jpghttp://www.baseballcardresource.com/..._Compton_A.jpg
http://www.baseballcardresource.com/...oto_Cook_A.jpg

Oh wow
 

Thank you, dstudeba. We are definitely down the rabbit hole now. I'm subscribing to this thread. Lots of things to read up on.

Everybody please make sure your cards are labeled so I know what they are. I think most everybody has, but I just want to mention it.

If there is a God in heaven, he'll let me live a long life. I don't need expensive cars, boats, a house in the Hamptons, or a lot of bling. Just let me put together a kick ass collection to love, and to inspire others. :p

Are the N321s lithos, or are these hand drawn? They're beautiful.

Not nearly as unpublicized/uncommon as others posted here, but some caramels that are less common than the garden variaty T206.
Attachment 118617Attachment 118618
Attachment 118616

And not Pre-War, but oh well...
Attachment 118613Attachment 118614

To your earlier question Bill, yes- strip cards are hand cut from strips of cards... this isn't necessarily a strip, but was hand cut from what had been a pair of Menko cards. I know there are a number of uncut strips that have been posted to the board.
Attachment 118619

.. and a couple more "attainable" alternatives to the famous T206 portraits
Attachment 118623Attachment 118622

The N321s are lithos I believe. They are from the same photos used in the N338-1 SF Hess series. Below are scans of an N321 (from eBay) and an N338-1.

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1888-S-F-Hess...c7!~~60_12.JPGhttp://www.baseballcardresource.com/..._SGCA_3200.jpg

Those are great cards, Ian! Lots of variety, too. As for the vintage, you're allowed! ;) I don't think anybody here will raise a stink to your inclusion of the great Jackie Robinson!

I have seen those Sporting Life cards before, and I like them very much. The colors are very soft, almost like they were done with pastels. Eventually I'll be adding a Wagner and a Plank to my collection, and those two are great candidates. They evoke the Monster, but they stand on their own, also.

You knew I'd like all of those. Come the beginning of the year, the hardest part for me will be choosing which cards I want to buy first.

I thought they might be, but I learned long ago not to make assumptions on something I am not knowledgeable about. Thank you!

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...ps01375c92.jpg



http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...psc53464c0.jpg


Ricky Y

Here are a few of mine, all oversize items..........

I know this is OT but these are seldom seen. What about the matchbook covers from the 30'S

H815 Adam Hats Lefty Gomez, B & W variety.

http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...z_%20Lefty.jpg

I got interested in this series several years ago when I picked up a quantity of the boxers, other athletes and non-sports subjects and have been slowly hunting them down.

I consider postcards to be non-mainstream, here's my collection:

http://imageevent.com/jeffintoronto/baseballpostcards

I couldn't agree more!


http://www.huntington-rogers.com/img...eonard_100.jpg

Therefore, if I understand you correctly, SGC mis-labelled my N321 card of John Smith ?

If so, then what value do you place on this S.F. Hess card ?


http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/...ps024c5ee4.jpg



TED Z

Bill - Thanks for the kind words and starting a good thread.

Adam - Never get tired of seeing your Adam's Hats.

Ted - Yes, I saw the first SGC mislabelled one in a Legendary catalog a couple of years ago. I emailed Doug Allen about it, but didn't hear anything back. Since then I have unfortunately seen a few more. I think their value is half that of those that were put in packs, but I believe Terry Knouse had a number of these and would probably know better. Here is the best reference I have found on them, years ago from Cycleback. I have not taken the time to confirm or refute his assertion that they are probably one of a kind. http://www.cycleback.com/1800s/tobacco4.htm

Edited to add:

For a specific number, my Whitehead is for sale for $1200, so I put the value on it at a little less :)

Small sizes but big names :
 

A colorful but under-appreciated set, IMO
 

http://photos.imageevent.com/uffda51...%20Stengel.jpg

R312

S.F. Hess
 

DAN

Thanx for the great info regarding these cards (proofs); and, for the link to David's informative website.

My John Smith proof is a perfect example why I don't usually like acquiring graded cards. In raw form, I
would have realized it was the "paper" issue.

Anyhow, SGC's new location is only an hour drive from me......so, the next time I visit them, I will have
them re-grade (re-label) this card.

I really appreciate your enlightening me on these S.F Hess cards.


TED Z

Some more Canadian love, eh?
 

Here are a few more Canadian issues. I'll leave the V61s for Zach to show. Who has a Honey Boy, C46, '37 O-Pee-Chee, Willard's Sports Champions, Crescent Ice Cream, or Peggy Popcorn to put up?

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...Mogridge-F.jpg

1925 Holland's Creamery, Winnipeg, Manitoba. 18 cards, Washington Senators only. All examples are ridiculously tough, but there's at least one player believed to be unique that's owned by a board member.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psf075ee72.jpg
1922 V100 Willard's Chocolates, Toronto. 180 cards in set.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps78af7cac.jpg

1922 (? OC says '23) V89 William Patterson, Brantford. 50 cards in set.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps4f4620b4.jpg
1933 WorldWide Gum (Canadian equivalent of Goudeys). 94 cards in set. This and the next have back text in English then in French.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psf6f9dffc.jpg

1936 WorldWide Gum. 134 cards in set.

Happy collecting!

Bill

I am a type card collector so have a bit up on most that aren't. I will show the Peggy since that one will be one most don't have.

http://luckeycards.com/pfcuncpeggypopcorn1920.jpg

You Guys Made My Day!
 

Thanks guys, You made my day today with all of the great cards displayed in this thread. I haven't had much time to lurk lately, but it was sure nice to see some sweet cards tonight. I also learned some things new about the SF Hess set.
Thanks and Take Care Everyone,
Tim Kindler

I really love the colors of this 1911 Baseball Bats Type 3 card of WaJo, which I recently made my avatar. The other 2 types of Baseball Bats cards have greyish backgrounds, as opposed to red backgrounds. Some, but not all, Baseball Bats cards have orange borders, like this one, and are sometimes misidentified as 1910 Orange Border cards.
Val

Beautiful card Val.

Let's not forget the silks and felts--S74 and B18

http://photos.imageevent.com/imoverh.../10s74cobb.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/imoverh...maranville.jpg

My Favorite Set, 1924 Diaz Cigarettes

http://www.net54baseball.com/picture...pictureid=6527http://www.net54baseball.com/picture...pictureid=7454http://www.net54baseball.com/picture...pictureid=7565
http://www.net54baseball.com/picture...ictureid=11213http://www.net54baseball.com/picture...ictureid=11497