Lot # 1087: 1911 T201 “Mecca Double Folder” Set - 100% Complete with a 4.714 G.P.A./Set Rating

Category: 1900-1920

Starting Bid: $3,500.00

Bids: 7 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Winter Classic 2019",
which ran from 12/19/2019 12:00 PM to
1/11/2020 7:00 PM




(LOT 1087)
1911 T201 "Mecca Double Folder" Set - 100% Complete with a 4.714 Weighted G.P.A./Set Rating & 49 Subjects including the Scarcer Factory 30 Designation (vs. the More Common Factory 649)


Click here for PSA Registry information on this set.

One of the most innovative vintage sets ever produced in our beloved hobby is the 1911 Mecca Double Folders (T201s), distributed Nationally within packages of the Mecca cigarette brand. With their ultra-colorful lithographic designs, these cards were the first to include 2 different player images that changes based on whether the card was unfolded or folded down. These cards were also pioneers in providing player statistics on the back (this distinction is shared with the T205 tobacco set likewise issued in 1911). A total of 50 separate cards were issued with 16 or 32% of these including a minimum of one Hall of Fame player (in total, 20 HOFs are included due to four cards including 2 HOF players). Of those Hall of Famers, the three foremost players regarded as the key building blocks for our National Pastime's unparalleled storyline include Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson.

Considering that Mecca T201s were significantly larger than the standard tobacco/candy issues, the card stock was ultra-thin, as well as the cards being continuously folded and unfolded. Therefore, severe condition sensitivity was a major factor in the preservation of their original state. Over the past 108 years, it should not surprise any collector that of the 10,171 examples encapsulated by PSA (at the time this was written), the cumulative G.P.A. totals to only 3.99. This justifies the fact that even the most sophisticated enthusiasts scramble to find super eye pleasing mid-grade examples or better from this most prestigious tobacco set. Based on this concept alone, Memory Lane is proud to offer a superb opportunity to capture the #19 PSA Registered T201 Set; a magnificent 100% complete compilation totaling a formidable 4.714 Weighted GPA! Indeed, this splendid complete offering includes all 50 subjects graded by PSA and one additional "raw" Factory 30 subject of Eddie Collins/Frank Baker that we will be discussing shortly. The 4.714 Weighted GPA outdistances the 3.99 average PSA grade by nearly three-quarters of a full grade, and virtually all of the cards reveal sparkling hues, relatively clean surfaces and outstanding central images.

Indeed, while this set strongly stands tall as one of the esteemed T201 compilations based on its impressive 4.714 GPA, there is an additional feature that clearly places it as one of the most formidable Mecca Double Folder sets. Incredibly, 48 of the 50 PSA encapsulated examples include the much scarcer "Factory 30" designation versus the more common "Factory 649", especially the toughest short print of the set, the ultra-elusive Lord/Dougherty subject that was once assumed not to exist. The Double Mecca Folder's history clearly implies that T201's were printed at two separate factories (30 and 649), and that the Lord/Dougherty subject wasn't inserted into packs at Factory 30; making it a serious short print.

When our esteemed consignor stumbled upon a super rare Factory 30 Lord/Dougherty card some years ago, he ultimately decided to build a near-complete Factory 30 Double Mecca Folder Factory 30 set that is currently missing only a Cole/Kling Factory 30 subject (as previously stated, we have included an additional "raw" Collins/Baker Factory 30 card that presents in VG condition). While we are uncertain as to the hobby magnitude of the obvious Factory 30 rarity for the Lord/Dougherty subject, what we know with 100% certainty is the unparalleled magnitude T206/tobacco collectors place on the scarcity of their T206 ad backs. With that in mind, it is no secret that this "back scarcity" collecting niche has begun to spill over to other tobacco issues such as T205s, Coupon Cigarettes, T216's, etc., and we fully anticipate serious enthusiasts to continue expanding their horizons with regard to collecting anomaly-like ad backs for additional tobacco issues.

The final tally of PSA assessments includes 1 (PSA 7.5); 1 (PSA 7); 3 (PSA 6's); 1 (PSA 6/MC); 20 (PSA 5's); 6 (PSA 4.5's); 16 (PSA 4's); 1 (PSA 3.5); 1 (PSA 3) and an additional "raw" Collins/Baker Factory 30 – 51 cards in all. A remarkable compilation, nearly all of these cards have withstood the test of time and provide brilliant aesthetics. Seldom is the advanced collector afforded such a grand prospect to seize a complete T201 set with a simple final bid. An abundance of our America's most iconic "turn of the century" ballplayers grace these cards including Cobb, Mathewson, Johnson, Lajoie, Brown, Bender, Speaker, Collins and so many more of baseball's earliest stars. Add the fact that virtually the entire set has been compiled with the more obscure "Factory 30" designation, it clearly resides as a grand-slam for any world-class collector!

Click here for PSA Registry information on this set.

MIN BID $3,500
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