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So how crazy is the 48 Leaf set? (guess I'm crazy) - first sub POP update 2/22/10

bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
Contimplating a new project... drawn to 48 Leaf, 48 Bowman and 49 Bowman. My rational is something attainable and I know the '48 leaf with it's single prints is very tough but just how tough?

Looking for PSA 3 if I go 48 Leaf, PSA 4 - 5 for 48 & 49 Bowman. Also with the Paige '48 Leaf I might never, be able to afford it.

I know VCP and the pop report is helpful, but the CU board's opinion would be highly valued. Is the '48 leaf attainable, just expensive or are there just very little to no chance of seeing several of the SPs even for sale?

Thanks for any input.
-jake

Comments

  • otwcardsotwcards Posts: 5,291 ✭✭✭
    Most of the SP's show up from time to time. In fact, many just closed last week from B-E Collectibles. There are a couple of cards that will set you back, even in low grade. The most notable is the Satchel Paige. It's not an impossible set and is a interesting challenge especially if you go after the variations.
  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    It'll take you a while. The first 49 are fairly easy, but the short prints can kill you, even in lower grade. One may show up one day and then you won't see it for another 3 years. Paige is tough and expensive, but Doby and Goodman were the two that I waited forever for.
    If you're trying to complete it quickly (a year or two) you'll need to have a bit of luck, and have Levi on speed dial.
    The cool thing about the set is all the variations- there are 3 recognized ones (in that PSA notes them as such on the flip) and endless amounts of color variations.

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

  • elsnortoelsnorto Posts: 2,012 ✭✭


    << <i>It'll take you a while. The first 49 are fairly easy, but the short prints can kill you, even in lower grade. One may show up one day and then you won't see it for another 3 years. Paige is tough and expensive, but Doby and Goodman were the two that I waited forever for.
    If you're trying to complete it quickly (a year or two) you'll need to have a bit of luck, and have Levi on speed dial.
    The cool thing about the set is all the variations- there are 3 recognized ones (in that PSA notes them as such on the flip) and endless amounts of color variations. >>



    Much of this sounds all too familiar as a collector of 1948 Leaf football.... do their baseball counterparts have the same chronic centering issues as the football?

    Snorto~
  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    absolutely- centering is brutal, as are registration issues.

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

  • MorgothMorgoth Posts: 3,950 ✭✭✭
    It is so crazy it was actually issued in 1949 image
    Currently completing the following registry sets: Cardinal HOF's, 1961 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, 1980 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, Bill Mazeroski Master & Basic Sets, Roberto Clemente Master & Basic Sets, Willie Stargell Master & Basic Sets and Terry Bradshaw Basic Set
  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    true dat.

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

  • bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
    Thanks guys.

    Couple more -
    Is there a lot of competition out there for 48(49) leaf baseball? --- or more so on SPs and variations?
    A side bar goal of mine is to actually finish one of these projects. While understandably challenge makes it a bit more rewarding - 1 or 2 cards a month with a $300 budget is what I'm leaning toward. Knowing this would I be better suited for one of the Bowman sets?




  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    According to VCP, this set in PSA 3 would have an average cost of just over $17.5k
    In PSA 4 it goes up to $27.5k
    If you're on a budget it's going to take a few years at least 5-8 years, and during that time the values will most certainly rise, although your budget may as well.

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

  • MBMiller25MBMiller25 Posts: 6,057 ✭✭
    Jake, I think your dealing with a monster of a set even in low grade if you tackle the 48 Leaf set. With that being said, I think you will have one hell of an accomplishment if your able to complete it. There are going to be other expensive cards to consider in addition to the Paige. Keep in mind that you have the following High Dollar even in low grade cards in the set that aren't in the 48 Bowman: Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, and of course there is the Jackie Robinson (which is much more expensve than the 49 Bowman in comparable grade). I don't think you can go wrong with any of the three. I think the 49 Bowman is probably the most reasonably priced in the grades that you mentioned, and is a very nice set in its ownright, with some great history behind it, being's Bowman first colored cards. I also think the 48 Bowman is a very appealing set as well. There are alot of people building or have built the 48 Bowman set based on the number of sets in the registry. I have no clue how difficult the competition is amongst buyers for mid grade cards. Good Luck with your choice, and please let us know what you decide.

    I have often thought about doing the 48 Bowman and 49 Bowman sets myself, as most of the high dollar cards are apart of the Post War HOFers set that I am doing.

  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    I agree, Leaf is going to be very tough and take a very long term commitment.
    '49 Bowman might be a better choice, given your budget. I"m just about finished with the set in PSA 5, and the cards are plentiful and relative to Leafs, inexpensive. You'll be able to get a pile of them each month, and it has more than double the player selection. Plus you won't be blowing your entire monthly budget for Johnny Schmitz or Al Zarilla.

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

  • 41GoudeyGuy41GoudeyGuy Posts: 565 ✭
    A 1948 Bowman set in PSA 5-6 is a very affordable option that you can complete in less than a year give your budget goals. There is no reason why you can't pick this one up with the nice selection of stars like Musial, Berra, Rizzuto, Feller, etc. Cost and scarcity will be much less of an issue. Many members on this board have these cards available for good deals in this grade range. I have this one complete.

    A 1949 Bowman set will be much more challenging if only for the size. Costs will be roughly 3x what a 1948 Bowman set will cost and rougly 1/3rd what a Leaf set will run. With only about a dozen high dollar cards the issue here will be finding commons. Doable but can get tedious given the size. This is on my list of sets to get but not very high.

    A 1948 Leaf set is a monster. Not many cards which makes it deceptively achievable. Very high cost. Competition for the short prints. Some real star power. A true accomlishment when you do finish. But, given your stated budget I think it may be a set you give up on down the road. I want this one but decided to do a T206 set instead. Similar costs for a complete set. Eventually I'll tackle this one but for now I have my grail.

    My suggestion is to do them in the order listed. 1948 Bowman, 1949 Bowman, 1948 Leaf. If you are only interested in one set from this era then the 1948 Bowman is the set you can complete quickly. Pickup a dozen 1949 Bowman's and you have the key cards for a fraction of the cost. 1948 Leaf is something you can cherry pick a few cards as well.

    Brian
    Learn some history of the game. Join a vintage base ball team in your area and get out there.
    Simsbury Taverneers
    My PSA Sets
  • goraidersgoraiders Posts: 2,158 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>It'll take you a while. The first 49 are fairly easy, but the short prints can kill you, even in lower grade. One may show up one day and then you won't see it for another 3 years. Paige is tough and expensive, but Doby and Goodman were the two that I waited forever for.
    If you're trying to complete it quickly (a year or two) you'll need to have a bit of luck, and have Levi on speed dial.
    The cool thing about the set is all the variations- there are 3 recognized ones (in that PSA notes them as such on the flip) and endless amounts of color variations. >>



    Much of this sounds all too familiar as a collector of 1948 Leaf football.... do their baseball counterparts have the same chronic centering issues as the football?

    Snorto~ >>



    Scott,
    I picked the 48 fb back up again,man I wish I didn't firesale all
    the ones I sold,I was over 60%,gonna do a better job with centering this time.
    I still been meaning to talk to ya about a Payton,hope you been doing alright,good
    to see ya back around again,

    J.R.

    To the op,I am sorry to say,I have nothing imporant to say about any baseball set
    but do know keep the centering #1 priority as possible.
    J.R.
    Needs'
    1972 Football-9's high#'s
    1965 Football-8's
    1958 Topps FB-7-8
  • bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
    Thanks a lot for the input guys. As I said budget predicates for the most part. I thinking an underlying motivation is proving to be actually completing one of these "projects" and as such I'm leaning toward the '48 Bowman per recommendation, as it would appear I could start both at the same time and improve on the '48 Bowman several times over before I even see some of the '48(49) Leaf SPs appear at a reasonable cost.

    Looks to me like the 48 Bowman is a beast for centering and SMR is not just off but once again totally out the window on pricing. Definately fun to investigate thou thanks so much for the consideration and tips.

    -jake
  • fkwfkw Posts: 1,766 ✭✭
    SP's will kill you image
  • bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
    I'm a glutton for punishment I guess. I put an offer in on a lot of '48/'49 and figured if he went for it that was my indicator that I'd endure the pain and try for the set. So got the cards in today and here they are... how'd I do?

    imageimageimage
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  • elsnortoelsnorto Posts: 2,012 ✭✭
    Wow, you done good... most of those look pretty nice as far as centering especially and you got some "names" in there are well. There is just something about these Leaf cards that I really like, so much so I have contemplated putting together the boxing set... and I am not at all into boxing! Keep the thread updated as you continue to make progress!

    image

    Snorto~
  • goraidersgoraiders Posts: 2,158 ✭✭✭

    Nice pick-ups,gotta love the look of the leafs.You are now sucked in,it will
    be a fun ride though,good luck!

    J.R.
    J.R.
    Needs'
    1972 Football-9's high#'s
    1965 Football-8's
    1958 Topps FB-7-8
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,438 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice lot - good start - good luck now that you're committed.

    I've never considered those sets - some of the SPs will be a challenge.

    If ya treat it like you're not waitin for a kidney or somethin - then the marathon will be a fun run - I believe in patience.

    I'm looking forward to your pickups. image

    mike
    Mike
  • bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
    Thanks for the well wishing guys. I must say in looking through the cards last night (and I'm beginning to think Felicia's comment of raw cards are just more fun to page / look through is right) I was totally immersed in them.

    I know it's goign to be insanity to collect but as mike suggested as long as i dont try to break and speed records for completion it will be a fun journey. thou if i bumped this post with every card i get it will be a long time between bumps. image

  • bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
    and budget for February shot....

    imageimage

    Really proud of the Appling thou. I don't understand how that's a 4 when several 6s aren't as nice.
  • cwazzycwazzy Posts: 3,257 ✭
    Nice pickups, Jake!
    Chris
    My small collection
    Want List:
    '61 Topps Roy Campanella in PSA 5-7
    Cardinal T206 cards
    Adam Wainwright GU Jersey
  • MBMiller25MBMiller25 Posts: 6,057 ✭✭
    Nice Jake, Are you building the set RAW, or are you going to purchase graded cards? Or combo of both.
  • mtcardsmtcards Posts: 3,340 ✭✭✭
    Ive sent in a couple of the 48 Leafs in the last year. The Spahn, the Robinson and the DiMaggio. All had 4 sharp corners, but the Robinson and DiMaggio had a little brownish stain (probably from moisture) and the Dimaggio had registration issues. All three came back PSA 4, although I think the Spahn should have been a 5.
    IT IS ALWAYS CHEAPER TO NOT SELL ON EBAY
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    Very nice bj.


    Steve
    Good for you.
  • BlackborderBlackborder Posts: 2,797 ✭
    Nice! Only set with regular cards of Musial and Williams.
  • BPorter26BPorter26 Posts: 3,499 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Jake, The Murtaugh is a tough card, I believe it's (SP). Great pick ups!! I'll be keeping an eye on this thread. I think the 48 leafs are beautiful cards.
    "EVERYBODY LOVE EVERYBODY IT SAYS IT RIGHT THERE ON THE WALL" - JACKIE MOON
  • bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
    Thanks guys. I'm going raw/graded. I really do like looking at the leaf cards in CS1s vs. slabs but HOFers and SPs I'll probably buy graded for piece of mind.
  • bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
    Subbed a bunch above on the Feb special results:

    1 1 16423326 VERY GOOD 3 1948 LEAF 14 BILLY JOHNSON Card US
    2 1 16423327 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT+ 4.5 1948 LEAF 17 FRANK OVERMIRE Card US
    3 1 16423328 FAIR 1.5 1948 LEAF 22 AL EVANS Card US (whooops)
    4 1 16423329 EXCELLENT 5 1948 LEAF 26 SAM CHAPMAN Card US
    5 1 16423330 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 27 MICKEY HARRIS Card US
    6 1 16423331 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 29 ELMER VALO Card US
    7 1 16423332 GOOD 2 1948 LEAF 38 TED KLUSZEWSKI Card US
    8 1 16423333 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 42 KENT PETERSON BLACK CAP Card US
    9 1 16423334 VERY GOOD 3 1948 LEAF 46 JOHNNY MIZE Card US
    10 1 16423335 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 49 DEL ENNIS Card US
    11 1 16423336 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 50 DICK WAKEFIELD Card US
    12 1 16423337 EXCELLENT 5 1948 LEAF 53 JOHN VANDERMEER (VANDER MEER) Card US
    13 1 16423338 VERY GOOD 3 1948 LEAF 57 BOB McCALL Card US
    14 1 16423339 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 61 JAKE EARLY Card US
    15 1 16423340 EXCELLENT 5 1948 LEAF 72 HANK EDWARDS Card US
    16 1 16423341 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT+ 4.5 1948 LEAF 73 PAT SEEREY Card US
    17 1 16423342 VERY GOOD 3 1948 LEAF 77 ROY SMALLEY Card US
    18 1 16423343 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT+ 4.5 1948 LEAF 82 JOHNNY LINDELL Card US
    19 1 16423344 EXCELLENT 5 1948 LEAF 84 SID HUDSON Card US
    20 1 16423345 EXCELLENT 5 1948 LEAF 97 MARTIN MARION Card US
    21 1 16423346 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 111 GERALD PRIDDY Card US
    22 1 16423347 VERY GOOD 3 1948 LEAF 125 ANDY PAFKO Card US
    23 1 16423348 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 136 CLIFF ABERSON FULL SLEEVES Card US
    24 1 16423349 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT+ 4.5 1948 LEAF 139 JOHNNY HOPP Card US
    25 1 16423350 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 159 MIZELL PLATT Card US
  • benderbroethbenderbroeth Posts: 1,699 ✭✭
    all i can say is satchell paige
    my t-205's


    looking for low grade t205's psa 1-2
  • elsnortoelsnorto Posts: 2,012 ✭✭


    << <i>Subbed a bunch above on the Feb special results:

    1 1 16423326 VERY GOOD 3 1948 LEAF 14 BILLY JOHNSON Card US
    2 1 16423327 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT+ 4.5 1948 LEAF 17 FRANK OVERMIRE Card US
    3 1 16423328 FAIR 1.5 1948 LEAF 22 AL EVANS Card US (whooops)
    4 1 16423329 EXCELLENT 5 1948 LEAF 26 SAM CHAPMAN Card US
    5 1 16423330 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 27 MICKEY HARRIS Card US
    6 1 16423331 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 29 ELMER VALO Card US
    7 1 16423332 GOOD 2 1948 LEAF 38 TED KLUSZEWSKI Card US
    8 1 16423333 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 42 KENT PETERSON BLACK CAP Card US
    9 1 16423334 VERY GOOD 3 1948 LEAF 46 JOHNNY MIZE Card US
    10 1 16423335 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 49 DEL ENNIS Card US
    11 1 16423336 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 50 DICK WAKEFIELD Card US
    12 1 16423337 EXCELLENT 5 1948 LEAF 53 JOHN VANDERMEER (VANDER MEER) Card US
    13 1 16423338 VERY GOOD 3 1948 LEAF 57 BOB McCALL Card US
    14 1 16423339 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 61 JAKE EARLY Card US
    15 1 16423340 EXCELLENT 5 1948 LEAF 72 HANK EDWARDS Card US
    16 1 16423341 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT+ 4.5 1948 LEAF 73 PAT SEEREY Card US
    17 1 16423342 VERY GOOD 3 1948 LEAF 77 ROY SMALLEY Card US
    18 1 16423343 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT+ 4.5 1948 LEAF 82 JOHNNY LINDELL Card US
    19 1 16423344 EXCELLENT 5 1948 LEAF 84 SID HUDSON Card US
    20 1 16423345 EXCELLENT 5 1948 LEAF 97 MARTIN MARION Card US
    21 1 16423346 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 111 GERALD PRIDDY Card US
    22 1 16423347 VERY GOOD 3 1948 LEAF 125 ANDY PAFKO Card US
    23 1 16423348 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 136 CLIFF ABERSON FULL SLEEVES Card US
    24 1 16423349 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT+ 4.5 1948 LEAF 139 JOHNNY HOPP Card US
    25 1 16423350 VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT 4 1948 LEAF 159 MIZELL PLATT Card US >>



    Aside from the Evans, are these about what you thought? Did you request NQ on these?

    Snorto~
  • bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
    Yes they're about what I thought. 4-5 average. Probably for most of you not worth the price of submission even @ $6. I didn't put any requests for NQ on this order. I'm pretty happy with the sub results, as I'm using to over-estimating what I send in.... these were plesant surprise thou a 6 here or there would have made a huge difference in value overall; I'm still happy.
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,438 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Those are good grades for a set like that - I liked the raw you posted - but have to say - they'll look better in the holders IMO.

    Thanx for sharing.
    Mike
  • waxpackwaxpack Posts: 547


    << <i>all i can say is satchell paige >>



    It's just money orrrrrrrrrrrrrr credit card image
    Trying to climb the 1954-55 Topps Hockey ladder for the second time.

  • benderbroethbenderbroeth Posts: 1,699 ✭✭
    will you be selling the al evans? psa 1.5
    my t-205's


    looking for low grade t205's psa 1-2
  • bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
    Bumping my old threads like a fool tonight. My pardons if you don't care...

    T206 Vic Willis in PSA 4 for this:

    image
  • MBMiller25MBMiller25 Posts: 6,057 ✭✭
    Well done Jake. I love that Spahn card. How did you do at the National? What does this bring you to?
  • ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭
    NICE Spahn!!!

    Post away, i for one never get tired of seeing 48 Leafs
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
  • mcadamsmcadams Posts: 2,618 ✭✭✭
    Spahn is a beauty. No tilt, great centering, and Clean!
    Successful transactions with: thedutymon, tsalems1, davidpuddy, probstein123, lodibrewfan, gododgersfan, dialj, jwgators, copperjj, larryp, hookem, boopotts, crimsontider, rogermnj, swartz1, Counselor

    Always buying Bobby Cox inserts. PM me.
  • MacrosBMacrosB Posts: 525 ✭✭✭
    Jake,

    Since you have handled alot of the 49 Leaf cards recently and had some graded, I was wondering if you could look at these few I have andbased on your experience what do you think they would come back as. And in your opinion is it better just to keep th ecommons ungraded?

    image
    image


    Besides those 8 I only have 2 others out of the set. Obviously the condition is rough on these but I didn't think thre was alot of chance I would get them in better shape. Would these be like a 1 or A? Still trying to understand the world of grading and training myself to see the problems other people pick up that I can't see.

    imageimage

    Thank-you for your help and good luck on finishing your set.

    Jim
    Looking for 66 and 69 OPC baseball
    60's OPC packs
    72 BB, 60's FB, 71FB, 73FB, 74FB, 75FB, 76FB, 78FB Rack Packs
    72 and earlier BB cello
  • bigjacobigjaco Posts: 605
    Jim,

    I'm definitely not the best at grades. The commons you pictured look very amazing. If I'd hazard a guess I'd go with easily solid 6s. Ruth, 1.5; Joe 2-3. Let it be known I'm terrible at grading thou. image

  • fiveninerfiveniner Posts: 4,111 ✭✭✭
    Good Challange, Good Choce!!
    Tony(AN ANGEL WATCHES OVER ME)
  • MacrosBMacrosB Posts: 525 ✭✭✭
    Jake,

    Thank-you for taking a look. If anyone else has any ideas on grades I would be interested in hearing. I finally joined PSA yesterday so I will probably go ahead and send these in anyways. Good-luck with the rest of the set. Love the Sphan. Do you have the Musial?

    Jim
    Looking for 66 and 69 OPC baseball
    60's OPC packs
    72 BB, 60's FB, 71FB, 73FB, 74FB, 75FB, 76FB, 78FB Rack Packs
    72 and earlier BB cello
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