It seems that one of the tenets of OBC is condition doesn't rank very high in importance. Sure, everyone wants that nice Gem Mint but I'd much rather have loved and used cards than a stack of pristine cardboard.
Since I'm just starting to get into the world of vintage I don't really have a want list of vintagey cards. I've been leaning more towards collecting type cards. Examples, you know.
I recently picked up a trio of 1971 Topps Cubs from Listia. It is the set that I first remember having cards. Jake saw that and hopped on the nostalgia band wagon. I didn't want to start becoming a set collector. Especially of that set. Having decided that condition is not primary, it still would take a bit of coin to complete that set.
Let's take a look at three of the cards Jake sent my way.
Some previous owner decided to frame "World Champions" inside the year that they won.
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| 1971 Topps World Champions (card # 1) |
The back is interesting as it lists both the St. Louis Browns and the Baltimore Orioles team records. I don't know why they didn't include the 1901 Milwaukee Brewers in there. I haven't checked that team's records but I do know that they finished 8th in the American League with a 48-89 record. More research to be done. For those of you who don't remember or plain just don't know, the Browns became the Orioles for the 1954 season.
Most everyone loves League Leader cards. I know I do. Alex Johnson had the same BA as Yaz, but he had 16 more hits. I would have given him the title as well.
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| 1971 Topps 1970 AL Batting Leaders (card # 61) |
Joe Pepitone. According to the back of his card he's always controversial. Way to choke up on the bat, Joe. Take a look at the card above. See how Tony holds his bat? Why don't you try it the same way? And nice sideburns.
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| 1971 Topps Joe Pepitone (card # 90) |
So, I still really don't want to complete this set, but I will keep adding to what I have. I've set up a checklist/wantlist but I'm highly confused. I've divided up my list in six series, as per the number of checklist cards in the set. Other sites on the internet talk about seven series. I'm not sure where they came up with that number. The final series may not have been widely distributed or printed to the degree that the earlier series were but was it six or seven? That should be easy to figure out. Any 1971 set experts out there care to help?
Speaking of help, if you're in a trade with me right now, or wish to be, and you just can't seem to find that Earl Wilson Chem-Toy ball or that elusive 1 of 1 Hershiser, here's your chance. Take a look at my 1971 checklist/wantlist. Help a fellow out. I'll never turn down a PWE.
I have written in my lists that there are 7 series, and that 644 to 752 is the 7th series. 6th is 524 to 643 and is also scarcer. Series 1 to 5, cards 1 to 523, are not scarce.
ReplyDeleteBut there quite a few cards in the 7th series that were double-printed and so aren't supposed to be as scarce/expensive, but I never see anyone selling them cheaper.
I got this info from a card shop who used to have photocopied checklist sheets of Topps sets. Hope that helps.
Anthony, thanks for the info. That's what I've seen at other sites, but I'm not sure how they assign series 1-5.
DeleteThere are only six series in '71, said the guy who has completed the set and runs a blog on it.
ReplyDeleteWhat don't you do?
DeleteI might add that I'm only going by the checklists in the set. There are only six of them. But perhaps someone knows something more about how they were actually issued.
ReplyDeleteI've always considered putting this set together as it is the year of my birth. Maybe I will one day after I put together the Yankee team set of '71 first.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on this set myself. Goodluck
ReplyDeleteMark - do you have a wantlist anywhere?
DeleteI'll have to rework my list. Hitting a show this weekend. I'm supposed to be picking up a bunch of 71's from a dealer. I will get back to you
DeleteMark you post three great cards out of that set. The O's card of course gives me warm fuzzies every time I see it. Leader cards STILL occupy my time when I see one. I love reading down the list and picturing every single guy on it on one of his cards.
ReplyDeleteFor awhile when Joe Pepitone was a Yankee he dated the sister of a buddy of mine who lived down the block. He had a sweet ride. She had a not-so-sweet reputation, if you know what I mean.