I'm thinking of starting a 1952 Bowman set - any advice?

NeilDowney

Hi Guys, I'm thinking of starting a 1952 Bowman set to go along with my 1953 Topps and 1956 Topps efforts. Does anyone have any advice for me? Perhaps some info on the strenghts and weaknesses of the set. Also, what are the chances of getting cards without gum/wax stains? I'm not sure how gum/wax stains are going to bother me yet. I figure I'll get about 10-15 cards in and see what these cards look (and feel) like. This set will be a slow process that I hope to build up card by card. My main focus will still be 1956 Topps and 1953 Topps set. However, I'm 97% complete on the 1956 Topps set and I always like to work on two sets at the same time. This way if one's a little slow going I will work on the other one for a while. I'm thinking that I'll try to collect this 1952 Bowman set in a PSA 6 with a cheap PSA 7 now and then. I'm not sure what lower grades the stars will be yet. I'll cross that bridge later. Thanks in advance for your advice. Neil

helionaut

I did that exact thing last year. I considered 53B (plain too expensive), and 51B, too, and actually like the black boxes better than the signature, but chose 52 because a) smaller set, b) seemingly less competition, c) I could probably never afford a Mick or Mays RC, and d) it includes a Musial, which to me more than makes up for the lack of Williams, key RCs, etc. I ended up giving it up because it became apparent that there was more competition than I had figured for 6-7s, at least at that time, and I could see that it was going to take a looong time to complete, even excluding the time it would take for me to save up for a Mick, Musial, Lohrke, Crosetti, etc.

What I found with the cards was a large range of quality within the grades, something you're probably familiar with from your other 50s sets. A 7 can have a fairly heavy stain on the back, or two or three, and they seemed fairly common, which you'd expect from 5-card packs or whatever they were, so you probably want to inquire from sellers about that. And there can be some toning to the front, especially when the grey of the stock seems to be visible through the white borders. In this grade range, you can be very picky with what is good enough for your set. Prices did range significantly in my brief time tracking them for high pop common 7s, from under $10 to over $30, depending on I don't know what.

If you go into it planning on it being a secondary set for a while, you'll probably be happy adding a few cards a month to start. It's not tough to find 6-7s, though like any other vintage set there can be droughts on ebay, which was my main source. I'd just keep my eyes open and snag the tough cards when they come up, because who knows when you see them again. Aside from looking at the pop report, I didn't get into it enough to tell you what's tough, though. All I can say is that it's a worthy challenge.

Cyphilissb

edited to say i have no solid advice

WinPitcher

one reason that many have that dang stain on the back is that they were also sold in penny packs. 1 card for a penny. One can get a set in psa 5 thru 7 and have a ton of fun doing it. my set though raw would grade out between 5 and 6. centering can be an issue as well. good luck and enjoy the journey

RayBShotz

WinPitcher- Great example of a sweet mid grade 52'.

Neil - Helionaut says it pretty well. If your discriminating, it might take you a bit longer; if not (and wax stains dont bother you on the back) bargains can be found. It's a very pretty set all in all and if you dip in 10-15 cards deep I think you will find it difficult to turn back. I highly recommend you taking the plunge. Always nice to have a commendable side project and this more than qualifies.

RayBShotz

1420sports

As a collector of 52 Bowman in PSA 5-6 myself, I will say this - it is a great little set. It is affordable, attractive, and the right mix of HOF and star players. Some of the shots are fantastic, others are okay.

Many of the cards you can find on eBay, but most will be raw. Remember that you are collecting mid-grade, so alot of them may not be available graded. Many of them have some minor wax on the back - I am fine with it. The ones with major wax stains I avoid, especially if they are a Mays, Mantle, or HOF player. The Zernial is a great card, as is the #2 Thompson ... on the back tells the tale of the "shot heard round the world" - very cool.

This should not be a difficult adventure but should be fun.

Good luck.

JonB

Which card tells that "tale"?

WinPitcher

I'm not sure what lower grades the stars will be yet. I'll cross that bridge later.


i think a good strategy when building a vintage set (or any for that matter) is to procure the stars in some sort of ratio to commons. I always try to get the key cards first. or as quickly as I can. of course at the right price any card is welcomed. i try to build an even set stars should always be within range.

1420sports

Which card tells that "tale"?

The #2 Bobby Thompson