William, thank you ever so much for taking the time and trouble to load up those magnificent Jackie Robinson advertisements. They are so fascinating!
Also, I am a big believer in your hobby collection acquiring strategy:
"If you want a deal, you might not get a card. If you want a card, you might not get a deal."
I've collected off and on since 1961. As I reflect on the best cards I have ever owned, almost every time I paid the asking price, then as time marched on, the value went up substantially, if not skyrocketed. Now, the only major factor I must stress is I NEVER bought the card / item because I thought it would later zoom in value. I bought it because I loved how it looked to me; it really caught my eye.
I must also admit my major time period of collecting the nicer stuff was when it was much, much, much (times 10 to the 3rd power) less expensive than it is today. The strategy is still relevant, but I cannot afford the nicer stuff today, I must say.
Again, thanks for posting the Jackie Robinson ads, friend. --- Brian Powell