The T206 set is, of course, the most widely collected of all prewar card issues, with good reason: there is no shortage of different ways to collect the cards. In the case of a small but powerful group we are proud to feature in this auction, one collector focused less on the content of the cards, and more on the cards themselves. Concerned with what many feel is an epidemic of card alteration in the hobby, our consignor looked for cards with exceptionally wide borders, an indication that the card edges and corners were natural, and not subject to trimming. We are thrilled to present them here, a fascinating grouping of cards with an unusual appearance, including many of the issue's key cards.
Perhaps the most popular card of Ty Cobb, few attainable prewar cards
are more instantly recognizable and iconic as the T206 Red Background
portrait card. This example has exceptionally wide borders ,
particularly at the top. Some severe creasing is evident throughout the
card and yet somehow is not a major detriment to the card's aesthetics
as it boasts a strong appearance throughout.
The Polar Bear reverse
does exhibit some minor staining as is typical with T206s of the Polar
Bear variety. This is a very strong,collector-grade example of one of the hobby's most desirable and popular
prewar cards.
A prewar collection is really not complete without one of the most widely-recognized cards of its
era.