T212 Obaks --collectible?

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Posted By: Bill Stone

I was leafing through some old issues of Old Cardboard and Baseball Collector trying to find articles on Zeenuts when I came upon an article in Baseball Collector from September/October 1997 entitled -T212 OBAKS Who Are These Guys? The first paragraph says " interst in this minor league issue has always been just that minor.While other tobacco issues of the period are widely collected and often command high prices, the Obaks are generally ignored..." My question-- is this true today? I am looking for a new area to collect and would like to know about these cards--other sources of information? Checklists? . Thanks in advance.

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Posted By: Bobby Binder

There are 4 sets of T212's

1909 English- They are costly and hard to come by.

1910 (150 subjects)

1910 (175 subjects)

1911 Red back

The red backs and 175 subjects are seen most often on ebay.

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Posted By: Bob

Bill- Now that I have completed all 4 sets (less occasional upgrading), I can relate that the Obak cards are not only truly beautiful (great color and artwork) but still very underpriced based on scarcity. The 150 series back 1910s are extremely scarce as are the 1909s. Many 1910 (175 series back) and 1911s are tough, for one reason another, but most are available if you are patient. My advice would be to collect tough ones in lesser condition because they may not come around for a while again and you can always upgrade down the road. I know the Ten Million card in the 1911 set is one to buy regardless of condition and then upgrade. I owned 4 before I found the excellent one I wanted. Each time I sold a lesser one when I found a better one I was able to make money on each transaction. They are tough.
tbob

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Posted By: Andrew

I don't remember the last time I saw a 1909 for sale on Ebay or on this board.

"Take your life in your own hands and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame." -- Erica Jong

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Posted By: Bobby Binder

I think that Matt with Beverly Hills Baseball cards has a lot of raw 1909's as well as all the series for sale. Last time I was there a customer was looking through his stock of Obaks.

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Posted By: Andrew

Just called him, unfortunately, he's out of anything PCL. Thanks for the lead though.

"Take your life in your own hands and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame." -- Erica Jong

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Posted By: dstudeba

I don't see why anyone would be interested in minor league issues. T206s are the only way to go.

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Posted By: Steve Murray

I must of missed the as aren't you the one who sniped me out of my Zeenut Dom?

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Posted By: dstudeba

Shhhhhh.

Do as I say, not as I do.

Edited to add: Sorry about that Steve.

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Posted By: Bill

My only response is "Who cares?". Go with what interests YOU and be darned with anybody else. It is your collection to enjoy.

Change your socks, drink water, and drive on.

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Posted By: Matthew

87 Topps are much cooler.

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Posted By: paul s

I think so:

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Posted By: leon

From Trucker Boys Dad's closet to my collection and SGC...I almost pooped when I saw the SGC50. I was hoping for about 3 full grades higher...I think there is some microscopic paste on the back? Some of these show the neat hand cut nature of some of the 1st series....and no, I don't consider these "trimmed" in a bad way....but they are definitely hand cut....
Tbob- we'll keep lamenting and SGC will never grade them...but they will other hand cut cards ala Ws, Zeenuts, D381s etc....(sorry for the big scans)

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Posted By: Brian

1909s are fun....

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Posted By: Bob

Leon- I agree, buddy. I don't know if it will ever happen (SGC grading the 1909s) but it still irks me that Zeenuts with part of the card ripped off will grade but frameless backed Obaks won't. Sorry for the rant...
tbob