The 1910 T210 Old Mill set is one of the more unique tobacco card sets around. And while many of the players are unknown to today's collectors, the issue is heavily pursued and includes a Holy Grail of sorts. T210 Old Mill Basics Many collectors unfamiliar with the release would be surprised to learn that the T210 Old Mill set is such a massive issue. In all, the set is made … [Read more...]
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Despite Modest Career, Early Chick Gandil Cards Remain Hot
When pre-war collectors hear the name Chick Gandil today, he is most commonly thought of in terms that aren't so flattering. Gandil was known as not only one of the eight members banned for their part in fixing the 1919 World Series but is often described as the ringleader. Collaborating with gamblers, Gandil is believed to help stage the entire deal which resulted … [Read more...]
W501 Strip Cards Similar to E121, W575-1 Issues
At first glance, the 1922 W501 strip cards look an awful lot like your run of the mill E121 American Caramel cards or the W575-1 strip cards. But while similar, this is an entirely different type of card. 1922 W501 Strip Card Basics The W501 Strip Cards are another black and white issue found in the 1920s. Those were sort of sandwiched between the smaller, colored … [Read more...]
Five T206 Cards That Should Have Been Printed
The iconic T206 set was a massive 524-card issue spanning 1909-11. Because of its large size, nearly every notable player under the sun, including several minor leaguers, were featured. In addition, several players had more than one card. Despite being a mostly comprehensive issue, a few more cards would have made this landmark set even better. Here are five of … [Read more...]
5 Bargain Hall of Famers in the 1909 E90-1 American Caramel Set
Issued around the same time as the T206 issue and looking somewhat similar, the 1909 E90-1 American Caramel set is one of the most popular early candy/caramel issues among pre-war collectors. With numerous short prints and tough cards as well as expensive cards including the Joe Jackson rookie, it isn't an easy set to complete. There are several Hall of Famers in … [Read more...]
The Cards This Guy’s Mom Didn’t Throw Away Are Worth Over $1 Million
A remarkable childhood stash of baseball cards from the late 1940s and early 50s including a jaw-dropping hoard of five 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle cards will enter the hobby this summer. Heritage Auctions teased the collection via social media last week. Now, the fresh find is heading to auction, including one card that already ranks among the best single best … [Read more...]
1888 G&B Gum Release Cited as Earliest Known Gum Set
The height of the gum card era was the 1930s with Goudey, Play Ball, National Chicle, and others pumping out sets. But gum cards actually began much earlier, making their first appearance in the 19th Century. The 1888 G&B Gum card set is often cited as the earliest such release. 1888 G&B Gum Basics The 1888 G&B Gum cards didn't look like the later gum issues. … [Read more...]
5 Cool Pre-War Football Cards to Chase
When it comes to pre-war cards, baseball issues are by far and away the most popular. However, a reasonable selection of early pre-war football cards exist as well, even though the game was still just becoming established before World War II. The 1894 Mayo set, 1935 National Chicle set, and the Beecher card (arguably the first real football card) from the N162 Goodwin Champions … [Read more...]
Distinguishing Album Cuts From True 19th Century Cards
In the 1880s and 1890s, the earliest tobacco sports card sets were hitting the market. Along with the creation of these cards, tobacco companies wanted to reward their best customers. One of the ways they did that was through the distribution of premium albums. These albums usually included pictures of all of the cards in the set, often against some sort of decorative backdrop. … [Read more...]
Hidden Away for Decades, Fresh Vintage Card Collection Enters Market
Having bought and sold sports cards on a part-time basis for nearly 20 years, Curt Schmidgall is used to getting calls from people who hope he can put some money in their pocket. Unfortunately, most are looking to sell him their 1980s and 90s collections. Earlier this year, his phone buzzed again. An older woman from Delaware was on the other end of the line, … [Read more...]
