I'm wanting to get started in pre-war cards

[drcy]

If it sells cheaper and costs you cheaper, what's the financial difference?

I'd most be concerned with authenticity and accuracy in grading, not the ephemeral nature of "What this holder goes for this Tuesday."

If you like SGC better, buy SGC. It's also not an either or. You can buy both graders.

In fact it may be the most prudent longterm investment to buy the card that is currently undervalued vis a vis it's holder over the "latest and hottest grader." For longterm investment, "buying at the height of popularity and price" obviously is not a good move.

Though I'd still recommend buying from a trusted dealer or auction house a nice assorted collection of raw Pre-War cards to really enjoy and enjoy handling them.

[Touch'EmAll]

T206's are classic - would make very nice acquisitions. Demand is always way up. HOFers even more so in demand. Just don't see how you can go wrong with a nicely centered T206 HOFer. EX 5 and graded by either SGC or PSA is wise choice. But be careful within the grade, not all 5's are created equal - pay attention to the boarders, the fatter the better. Lots of slop in a PSA case wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. For instance, last night a major ebay auction had 2 T206 W. Johnsons - one had nice fat boarders, the other not so much - be very careful here. And of course get a player you really like with a picture that you really like - eye appeal to you goes a long way to your enjoyment.

[x2drich2000]

Originally Posted by drcy

If it sells cheaper and costs you cheaper, what's the financial difference?

I'd most be concerned with authenticity and accuracy in grading, not the ephemeral nature of "What this holder goes for this Tuesday."

If you like SGC better, buy SGC. It's also not an either or. You can buy both graders.

In fact it may be the most prudent longterm investment to buy the card that is currently undervalued vis a vis it's holder over the "latest and hottest grader." For longterm investment, "buying at the height of popularity and price" obviously is not a good move.

Though I'd still recommend buying from a trusted dealer or auction house a nice assorted collection of raw Pre-War cards to really enjoy and enjoy handling them.

Very well said!

[Chuck9788]

I can totally understand the interest in pre War cards after watching Ken Burns documentaries. After watching a neat video on Rude Waddell I just about rushed to get his card.

[perezfan]

Aside from T206...

2 other Pre-War sets are great for collectors just getting their feet wet...

1934 Diamond Stars - Lots of affordable HOFers, and loaded with killer art deco images.

1941 Play Ball - More affordable HOFers, and beautiful pastel colors and designs.

Check them out, and you'll find some beautiful cards that are really affordable. I collect them raw with no creases, but quite often the best card at best price is graded. You can easily break them out if so desired. But that's a different story and a different thread.

Best of luck and have fun!