Tons of Newbie Questions.

[FrankWakefield]

First, try to get a copy of Mr. Lipset's Encyclopedia of Baseball cards. Originally there were 3 volumes, #3 covered 20th century tobacco cards (that will have your T206 coverage). The reprint edition has all 3 volumes together.

Next, go here, http://www.oldcardboard.com/t/t206/I...al-edition.pdf and download this pdf, put it on a jump drive, then go get it printed. Read it, then a week or so later read it again.

Buy 2 or 3 real white border tobacco cards, T206s, from someone who will be certain to sell you a real one. Ted Zanidakis could sell you a real one, he has more than his share of 'em. Quickly glancing at the list of dealers under vintage links you'd be save with DavidBVintage, Wayne Varner, Jay Wolt, Mike Wheat, Frank Ward, Kit Young's company, those folks would sell you a real card at a reasonable price. Once you have a few in hand it will be easier for you to ascertain authenticity, detect trimming, and stuff like that.

Patience and persistence are helpful attributes. If you buy 4 or 5 cards a month it will take you close to a decade to close in on the set. If you buy slow and set a few dollars aside, you can use the "setaside" to go after a lot on eBay or in an auction where several cards are offered in one lot.

Wish you well with it.

[ethicsprof]

welcome aboard!
you seem pretty practical about knowing what you can have and can't have, how much money you can spend and can't.
these attributes will keep you on the journey without burning out too quickly---sadly, i've seen too many great folks with great eagerness burn out over the years.
the advice you've been given already is superb. i do not miss a day enjoying my Lipset. i do take a look at Lemke's SCD vols. most every week. And as you truly love these things, you'll want an ACC by Burdick by your side simply because he is the Doktorvater of all things cardboard.

all the best,
barry

[Dustanh1]

You are spot on with wanting a variety of reading materials. Get catalogs from auction houses whenever you can; they make for great reading material. Some auction houses send free catalogs if you sign up, and some if you place bids.

Be patient and you never know...you might happen upon a Cobb, Wagner, Ruth etc. I've been working on the T206 set for about 3 years now, but I haven't gotten a new one in a few months. It'll come together in time, and I am in no rush. I've been able to pick up some nice deals on HOF'ers in the set that I though I would have to wait to buy. You'll be surprised what you can get for your $100-$150 monthly budget.

Just sit back and enjoy it...I would also suggest buying a few cheap raw cards just to get a feel for them. The more familiar you are with them, the easier it will be for you to spot fakes.

[Mark]

I concur about reading all the essential texts listed above. I'm glad that you have read about pre war baseball. Knowing the players makes all the difference to me. For anyone who isn't familiar with that era, start with The Glory of Their Times and read everything else after.

Affordability? There are some wonderful players/ cards from t206 that can be had for a reasonable price in a low grade. It also seems to me that the Goudey and Diamond Star sets from the 30's are relatively affordable, especially in low grade. They have great names and a great look, and I don't think they are as common as dirt, either. You might look into w573's and w575's. Not easy to complete but available and apparently unwanted.

[timber63401]

Thanks for all the info. Where the best place to get some of these used books and encyclopedias at. Thanks.

[FrankWakefield]

Mr. Lipset's Encyclopedia is occasionally found on eBay, or at ABEBOOKS, or Alibris. The Encyclopedia of Baseball Cards, by Lew Lipset. Vol 1 is 19th century cards, 2 is gum and candy cards, 3 is 20th century tobacco. There's a reprint that has all 3 combined.

Get that, and a copy of The Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, read Scot Reader's work a couple of times... If you were going skydiving would you just want to strap something on and jump out of the plane, or would you like to figure out how it supposed to go down, first? Read this stuff.

[dstudeba]

I would use the search function here and read about whatever issues might interest you. You can see plenty of different issues in the pickups thread. If you are interested in T206s then Scot Reader's book would be a great read. If you are interested in other sets just search on them on this site and you can find plenty of information.

As for references, The Old Judge book is the best piece on baseball cards I have. Another good one is the Sotheby's auction catalog of the Barry Halper collection.