Vintage Set Building

[AndyDrummond]

Hey all,

I've always wanted to chase a 1954 Topps set based on the fact that my hometown legend is Al Kaline. I'm wondering what advice you would give me for going about this since the last time I thought about it internet trading and eBay were just in their infancy. I know it will be costly, but I have all the other rookie sets for players (yzerman, sanders, dumars/thomas) and would like to go after this one. Any advice helps as I've never been after one this old.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[valediction]

First off, decide what condition you can live with.

Second, decide what is available from your collection if trading is an option.

Third, look for starter sets, you can always upgrade singles later if you want

Fourth, take your want lists with you everywhere. I've found cards at garage sales, flea markets, antique stores, card shops, shows, and even striking up conversations at a Church festival.

Fifth, budget for the biggies. Kaline, Banks, and Aaron rookies don't come cheap, even off grade cards sometimes go higher than I like if they have passable eye appeal

 

[JamesNevans]

valediction has some good advice, I'd second what he has to say. If you don't have vintage traders you will definately not be able to trade, especially for the big ones or ones in the better conditions.

 

[mm1sub]

Also realize that it may take a while to actually find some of these cards. The stars are relatively easy to find and you should be able to pick them up if you have the right amount of money. But the high #'s may be difficult to actually find. especially the high #'s if you are looking for nicer condition cards. 1971 and 1972 Topps high #'s are becoming more and more difficult to find unless you are going to one of the bigger shows. And these cards will most times command nearly full book value. So I would think that it will be the same if not more difficult with the early Topps sets

 

[AndyDrummond]

Thanks for all the advice...I just got my first few '54 commons today in the mail and I'm starting to determine what I want to make my acceptable grade. I appreciate everyone weighing in.