1948-52 Exhibits

[bcbgcbrcb]

We have had a number of discussions on the board regarding the baseball exhibits series issued from 1947-66. In many cases, the specific year(s) of issue for many of the cards can be determined. I am wondering if this is also the case for football/basketball/hockey exhibits that were issued from 1948-52? If so, what are the key factors to look at?

[jefferyepayne]

Hi Phil. This is what I have in my notes associated with this set. Hope it helps you.

The 1948 – 1952 Football Exhibit (catalog designation W468) set consists of 59 unnumbered player cards and a checklist that were produced over a five year period. It is believed that they were released in 32 card groups, primarily in the years 1948, 1950, and 1951. Some cards were printed in multiple years while others were not. The 1951 cards were all reprinted in sepia and distributed in 1952 as well. The year a card was originally printed can be determined by the height of the “Made in USA” text at the bottom of the card. The text on 1948 cards is 5/8”. The text on 1950 cards is 7/16”. The text on 1951 and 1952 cards is 1/2”.

Recently, advertising pieces for these cards have been found that are dated 1953-1954 so production runs may have been extended beyond 1952. There is also some debate whether any of these cards were actually produced as early as 1948 or started in 1949.

Adam knows these sets well. Comment?

jeff

[andybecker]

that's good info. i did not recall reading the length of "made in usa" helped determine the year of issue.

thanks Jeff.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Great, thanks for the info, guys.

Phil

[Exhibitman]

Jeff has it right. I'd only add that there are two variations not mentioned in most catalogs: (1) PC backed cards similar to the 1954 baseball set; and (2) multicolored fronts: stocks are known in blue, yellow, green, red and pink, and there are green ink on white stock cards.

[jefferyepayne]

Jeff has it right. I'd only add that there are two variations not mentioned in most catalogs: (1) PC backed cards similar to the 1954 baseball set; and (2) multicolored fronts: stocks are known in blue, yellow, green, red and pink, and there are green ink on white stock cards.

Any idea what year(s) the PC backed cards and color variations are from, Adam?

jeff

[Exhibitman]

That is a really difficult question to answer.

On the PC backs the common view of the baseball cards is 1954-1955 but that is speculative. It doesn't hold true with the few boxers I've found. Joe Louis and Jake LaMotta were retired by then but they and Larkin are the three PC back boxers I've seen. The FB issue seems to have PC backs from all purported years of the issue but I've not checked every card. Perhaps someone else knows for sure.

The colored cards are rare. The green ink cards, while very hard to find, are the easiest of them; the colored stock cards are nearly impossible. I have not cataloged enough colored cards to opine on issue date.

[Exhibitman]

Speaking of which I am looking for one of the color stock cards as a type. Prefer Luckman but anyone will do.