1912 Boston Garter - are you a fan?

I've heard many conflicting opinions on the 1912 Boston Garter set. Are you a fan? Why or why not?

Personally I'm a big fan, and not just b/c of their rarity - I think the design/detail is unmatched by any other prewar set, and the underwear thing doesn't bother me in the least

I can see why the 1912 Boston Garters might be appealing to some people, but for some reason, I am just not too fond of the design. I'm just saying.

The player selection is stronger on the 1913 (with Cobb and Jackson) and I prefer it's clean design. To a certain extent, I even like the black and white photos on the 1914 cards better, although I find the irregular cuts on all the 1914s to be a little distracting.

It seems as though these cards have always had iconic status in our hobby. I for one would not spend the type of money these cards command for an image of a ball player half naked! They are colorful but I just can't get around spending a huge sum of money for half naked pictures of men.

Jeff

I think they look pretty neat, I would probably never spend the money for one.

Hugh has to be the happiest man, the door is open for everyone to see and he is standing in his under-roos with a big ol' smile.

The rarity and artwork is appealing, the actual imagery...not so much. I'd definitely spend my money elsewhere even if I could afford one.

I'm also sure my wife would say that they are the penultimate evidence of sports and cards really just being a safe outlet for the latent homosexuality of American males.

Not surprised by the responses so far...

I came close to buying a '12 BG Chase a few years ago for $2500, but large chunks of both bottom corners were missing (including the suitcase, which was a bummer). So I passed. And I also recall seeing a g/vg '12 BG Rucker on ebay in 2001/2002 or so. It went cheap - just a couple grand. The hype for the 1912 set as well as the '13s and '14s has certainly increased over the past 5-10 years.

Personally...I love seeing them...the unique poses...larger size...detailed images...combined with how these cards depict an aspect of baseball attire we may have forgotten about...garters. I thought they were just for brothels, weddings and halloween! I would never spend the $$ on one of them, though...but I like seeing them!

They are ok, i like the look of the players in the background more than anything.

Still, if i could afford one i would buy.



Mark

They are neat cards and tough to find but I would much rather spend that kind of coin on something else. I absolutely love the 13's and 14's though.

ullmandds wrote:...garters. I thought they were just for brothels, weddings and halloween!

You forgot Valentine's Day...

Cheers,
Blair

I like them a lot, just a little too pricey.

I really like this btw...

I can do without the men in garters, but the setting and backgrounds make this one of better composed sets ever.

Jay

Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuv em'.

Tony A.

Just wanted to show this set a little love with a bump. The design is fantastic, and I can't think a of a set with cooler background scenes.

There are still a bunch of cards in the 1912 set that I haven't seen. Anybody have more scans to share? I'm very curious to see what the Walter Johnson card looks like.

Ben,

A friend of mine owns the 1912 Walter Johnson, it's unique. The actual card's front is in great condition while the reverse has some damage. Johnson is posed with his hands on his hip and is wearing a royal blue Washington Senators sweater.

Sounds amazing Zach!

That's one card I'd trade my entire collection for.

I like the size of the Boston Garters - they are impressive to hold in hand. However, like most others, I like the 1913 color set much more! The images on the 1912's just don't do it for me. If someone were to force a 1912 matty on me, I wouldn't complain though!