collector interest - pre T206

[terjung]

Not going to try to follow Jim's amazing cards...

Suffice it to say that the focus and core of my collection is a set from 1903 that set the standard for the size of the T206 cards, obviously pre-dates them, and contains many of the rookie cards from HOFers in the T206 set.

[Kawika]

These are the guys our T206ers grew up admiring. The cards are a window into an even more distant era of American history. Careful, OP, it's easy to get hooked.

[Joe_G.]

I'm 99% 19th century. Most of my collection relates to the Detroit Wolverines and the players that played on the 1887 Championship team.

One player on that 1887 team, Ned Hanlon, invites me into a couple 20th century sets including E107 and Fan Craze. I did pick up the Fan Craze but the E107 is a tougher nut to crack.

There are many others out there with a heavy 19th century focus, but our numbers pale in comparison to T206 collectors.

[ls7plus]

20th century only, what I define as the modern era. I have had absolutely zero interest in pre-1900 baseball or cards, though I have been a baseball fan, player and devoted student of the game since I was a young kid. While I collect stars and hall-of-famers, I don't have the slightest desire to go after those who had the bulk of their careers before the turn of that century, although I do collect some pre-T206 cards.

Interesting post.

Best regards,

Larry

[Delray Vintage]

I have about 50% of my collection in 19th century cards, and have several kalamazoo bats, yum yum, and OJ. My favorites are my Sgc 92 keefe and psa 7 mack. Also have complete A&g 1887 psa 7 set. Best looking cards are my goodwin set, not best condition but still all psa graded.

would love to get the Peck&snyder been second bidder last Rea auction.

[rhettyeakley]

First off it is totally inaccurate to say nobody was elected until 1939 as Cy Young was elected in 1937. The above posters hit the nail on the head that most of the writers and pople contemporary with the players of the 1860-90's had passed away by 1936 and the players of 1900-1930 were the ones they could best evaluate to be enshrined. People seem to belittle the pre-1900's while I think it is folly to do so. Look (for example) at Cy Youngs stats he was arguably better as a 35-40 year old in the 1900's than he was as a younger pitcher facing so-called "inferior" players while actually in his prime. Kinda flies in the face of what many have said.

The price & availability of pre-1900 stuff is the most deciding factor as to why they seem to be collected less. Again, the t206 set (because of how common and cheap they are) allow even the most financally strapped collector to obtain them--how many T206's are on ebay at any given moment compared to N172's?
-Rhett

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Delray Vintage

would love to get the Peck&snyder been second bidder last Rea auction.

It seems they have really come out of the woodwork lately!!