4 in 1 Exhibits

[HRBAKER]

To anyone's knowledge were the 4 in 1's ever "distributed" as single minatures? Am I correct in assuming that any one of the single panels that is found is the result of a previous owner cutting the original down? I ran across a listing tonight that seemed to intimate that they were distributed this way as well. Thanks. Jeff

[Chris Counts]

Jeff, I've wondered the same question. I've picked up a few singles, which never seemed to cost more than a few dollars each. I paid $30 for a really nice Gehrig. But there's a guy on eBay selling "singles" of common players for $100 each and here's his description why:

"This rare card is a 1933 Baseball Exhibit Card produced by Exhibit Supply Company of Chicago. When they are found they command a premium price because they are so difficult to locate. The card was originally issued as a 1933 Four on One Exhibit Card. Some were distributed as smaller single cards. This card is 1 3/4 X 2 5/8 inches. This card is a blankback which is an indication of the year ..."

I started a thread about this subject once before, and I don't recall anyone believing there was a separate, single card issue ...

[HRBAKER]

Chris,
That's my understanding as well. I sent him a query and asked where they were "distributed" as minatures as well but have not heard back. $30 for a Gehrig makes $299.99 for Dazzy Vance look a little steep!

[Chris Counts]

Quite a few of his look like they were cut apart with scissors. The cuts are not even close to being straight ...

[smtjoy]

To my knowledge none of the baseball 4 on 1 exhibits were ever issued seperate.

[wrapperguy]

My father collected these as a kid straight out of the Exhibit machines. They were NOT distributed as miniatures. Dad, and many others, cut them up into fours. Dad has a scrapbook he put together, primarily of 1929-30 cards, that look great in an album page with all the different color combinations. The Ruth and Gehrig look great cut up....(I think I am going to be sick). Very common in those days apparently. Dad has close to 60 of them cut up. If I wanted to, I could soak them off the album page and then piece them together nicely.
Anyway, the guy on ebay is crazy and is deliberately misleading people.

[HRBAKER]

Jeff,
That's my take as well. He has replied several times to me thru ebay that he was told that they were sold as miniatures by the old-timer who he bought them from.

[Chris Counts]

It sounds like the seller knows they're not a separate issue. Anyway, whatever they are, I think they're a bargain. I wish I could find more ...

[fkw]

The only exception...

Would be the very rare 4-in-1's from the early 1930's (dont have my catalog right now), that match exactly with the 1932 W517-2 Mini's when cut within the dotted lines.

The postcard size 4-in-1 cuts and the close cut W517-2 are basically the same, (same size too) except the 4-in-1 cuts will have a slightly smoother surface overall and many of the cut 4-in-1 cards should have partial "Postcard" markings on back, and a thin left or right border.

Examples
http://centuryoldcards.com/images/w517-2postcard.jpg
Very Rare 4-in-1 (complete)

http://centuryoldcards.com/images/1932w517minikamm.jpg
W517-2 "Mini" (cut close)

[Exhibitman]

I am not aware of any legitimate singles from the 4 on 1s. There is a known strip of 10 boxers from a 4 on 1 series that features a blend of boxers, baseball players and movie stars (so there could be some strips of the ballplayers, I suppose) but the strips are much thinner than exhibit stock and would be readily identified as something other than a 4 on 1.

[oldbugman]

I wouldn't care if they were cut or not...if anyone knows where I can find a '31 Jonah Goldman...drop me a line...thanks

[HRBAKER]

I wouldn't care if they were cut or not...if anyone knows where I can find a '31 Jonah Goldman...drop me a line...thanks


160409495928 - ebay

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