Signed Cobb T206

[smtjoy]

Amazing Lot, not really into autos but I would rather have that lot over most cards in that price range.

[whitehse]

This was brought up on another board and I wanted to get the educated opinions of others here. How many total authentic, signed Cobb T206s are in existance? I guess the better question would be how many have we seen in total. It was thought that there was "a dozen or so" and my guess was because not many people thought to get these cards signed there would be less, maybe 6 in total. Any thoughts?

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by whitehse

How many total authentic, signed Cobb T206s are in existance? I guess the better question would be how many have we seen in total.

I would take the "over" in the 10-20 estimate in the auction description. Cobb was a prolific signer TTM -- and there are more than 2 dozen current sales on ebay involving Cobb's signature authenticated by either JSA or PSA/DNA. And by at least the 1950s, TTM autographs were quite popular. Despite a relative scarcity of signed T206 Cobb cards appearing at auction, there are many -- again relatively speaking -- that are hidden from view in various private collections. If you read the Hunt description of the Green Cobb, you will see that it was part of a collection of 5 -- "Originally discovered with an estate collection of T-206 cards including (5) signed Ty Cobb cards and the original envelope of Cobb's in which they were mailed." I host scans of 3 signed T206 cards of Cobb on my website, including a pair that belong to a collector to whom I give credit. Doug Allen supposedly has or had one and discussed it in an interview. And my personal autograph hero Jeff Morey had Cobb sign a tobacco card (and many other things) during breakfast at the Otesaga hotel during Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown, NY, circa 1959. Finally, I had this very conversation with James Spence once and he confirmed that he has authenticated several -- none of which I've ever seen.

So, in my research I've already identified basically a dozen or so credible sightings of different T206 cards signed by Cobb. As much as I'd love to believe that I've seen or heard of most of them, I would highly doubt it. I've never even been to a National and I don't have any close collector friends. This is an extremely beautiful piece, to be sure, and I would love -- emphasis on the word "love" -- to own it. But you do see them, with patience.

[chaddurbin]

well-played by paul with the diversion. i'm more convinced now that he'll own it after reading the thread. now we know where the magie money is going!

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by chaddurbin

well-played by paul with the diversion. i'm more convinced now that he'll own it after reading the thread. now we know where the magie money is going!

Ha. I wish. I do love talking about autographed T206 cards, though. If that Walsh was on a T206, I would be after that one, too. I've only seen 1 or 2 signed Walsh T206s.

[whitehse]

Thanks for the response. I knew Cobb was a decent signer but didnt realize that that many t206's would have been signed by him. This particular item is something I know I would love to have but its way out of my price range!

[FUBAR]

Can someone loan me $49,995.00 I wish to purchase this card and i am a little short!