If you could make the Big 3 into the Big 4, what set are you adding?

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Val,

What a wonderful point. I like to see what players truly looked like, not some cartoonish Bowman depiction. I honestly don't get the love for non-photo Bowmans.

To add to your point, without OJs, we would likely have NEVER seen what some of these players looked like! That's huge if you stop to consider it. Sorry, a woodcut does nothing for me as a truly accurate depiction of these guys. Although usually less cartoonish, it's the 19th century equivalent of a pre-1953 Bowman for my taste.

For those who use "you'll never be able to complete it" as a strike against OJ, I will turn that around and say how awesome a fact it is that there will potentially always be new discoveries with one of the oldest sets out there! Forever new things to learn and cards to keep adding. As Val Pointed out, you can collect just a single pose of each player. When it comes to collecting anything, one of the best aspects is that you get to make the rules. Many lose sight of this and are driven by OCD to let someone else's rules control them. What brings you the most joy overall: the act of collecting or completing? The latter has been bittersweet for many, while the former has a lot more longevity.

Originally Posted by ValKehl

N172 absolutely, for the reasons mentioned above and for a reason not yet mentioned - the N172s have real photos of the players, whereas the "Big 3" don't have real photos! (Yes, I'm prejudiced toward card sets with real photos of the players.)

Just as T206 is virtually impossible to complete in terms of cards of all of the players with all of the different ad backs, N172 is virtually impossible to complete in terms of cards of all of the players with all of the different poses and print variations. However, if you deem a complete set to be one card of each player, then both N172 and T206 are completable, albeit with difficulty, if one has deep pockets. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that at least one of the three authors of the fantastic Old Judge tome has or is close to having a complete N172 set (i.e., one card of each player).

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Also, the initial point made in this thread that it represents an era not already included in the Big 3 is of extreme importance.

Including any 1950s issue is redundant to me because of the 1952 Topps. T3s are remarkable, as are Ramlys and many CJ poses, but same rule applies.

I'm amazed that nobody has thrown Play Balls into the mix. But what I mentioned in the preceding paragraph comes into play for me to a degree, as there are so many players who appeared in one of the two Big 3 sets that bookend the series.

[MuncieNolePAZ]

1914 Cracker Jack for me.

Chad

[Beercan collector]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

Val,

What a wonderful point. I like to see what players truly looked like, not some cartoonish Bowman depiction. I honestly don't get the love for non-photo Bowmans.

To add to your point, without OJs, we would likely have NEVER seen what some of these players looked like! That's huge if you stop to consider it. Sorry, a woodcut does nothing for me as a truly accurate depiction of these guys. Although usually less cartoonish, it's the 19th century equivalent of a pre-1953 Bowman for my taste.

Off topic - I’m one of the few that actually prefer a 1940 play ball to
1941 - not crazy for the pastels and softened images , 1941 Ted Williams looks like a China doll and Jimmie Foxx looks like a hockey mask wearing murderer .
On topic - 1914 Cracker Jack (despite the drawings)

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

I'm in the 1940 camp as well. Names on fronts, photos, random inclusion of some older legends.

[vintagerookies51]

I'd put Cracker Jack at #4, then N172 then 1941 Play Ball

[oldjudge]

Obviously, my vote is N172. I think it is the greatest set ever. I also think some consideration should be given to M101-4/5.

[insidethewrapper]

I wonder how many "complete" sets exist, that is complete with the 52 T Mantle, T206 Wagner and Doyle and 33 Goudey with # 106 Lajoie. I don't believe the N172 has any. My order of difficulty would be:
1) N172 Old Judge
2) T206 with the above cards (Wagner & Doyle)
3 ) 33 Goudey with Lajoie
4) 52 T with/ Mantle

[Kidnapped18]

1914 Cracker Jacks hands down! For me this is the best prewar set.
The red background, the bios, the Hall of Famers and Star players are something special!
Cracker Jacks epitomize and are synonymous with MLB
The inclusion of the Federal League players is an added bonus