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Cobb Experts - what is this card?
CARDSINLOSANGELES
Posts: 302 ✭✭✭
Can't find reference to this anywhere. Anyone? 
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CARDSINLOSANGELES
Posts: 302 ✭✭✭
CARDSINLOSANGELES
Posts: 302 ✭✭✭
CARDSINLOSANGELES
Posts: 302 ✭✭✭
Comments
I don't know what it is, but since it is a 2012 issue, looks like someone taking on a similar project to the sets made by Helmar Brew.
There are more 2012 Sporting Life cards that come up on google but some are possibly from a different set.
https://google.com/search?tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=H-fnWqPLGezR5gLhxb-oBw&q=2012+sporting+life+detroit&oq=2012+sporting+life+detroit&gs_l=psy-ab.3...17596.19178.0.19360.7.7.0.0.0.0.80.488.7.7.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.7KEFB15kPpg#imgrc=DO2yJs4YBeF0MM:
https://google.com/search?q=2012+sporting+life+baseball&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=89NmtZlwZOdp8M%253A%252CbEIaDj0_i4HB8M%252C_&usg=__gXI_mZVA7TRLMSIV8w9fWBIva5c%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiY34PC0OPaAhXouFkKHTaSB6gQ9QEIUDAL#imgrc=89NmtZlwZOdp8M:
As miwlvrn indicated, this is a fantasy issue similar to Helmar Brewing that has been present for several years. To a strict prewar collector, they have little intrinsic value. Helmar does have a bit of a following and sometimes the cards auction for a surprising amount. Having bought one in the past, I was surprised to find that they have the texture of a disposable coaster at the bar.
It's a modern issue, as noted 2012. They create fictitious cards that couldn't have or never did exist. They actually do excellent work and the cards are somewhat limited. I've seen popular ones sell for >$100. I've picked up a few myself but only directly from the manufacturer (they sell directly on eBay).
They're not trying to fool anyone into thinking they're vintage cards and take many steps to ensure that each card is identified as a modern creation intended to resemble an older design. Like Topps Archives except they deliberately age the card and use lithos or other sources instead of cleaned up photography. They have a niche in the hobby and people collect them. They get released in "sets" and when those sell out the card is retired. The company is Sporting Life, sort of a Frankenstein of companies from the early 20th cent.
Here are the ones I picked up:
2011 Sporting Life Tris Speaker Boston Garter
2012 Sporting Life Babe Ruth
Arthur