4 in 1 Exhibits
 

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

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 ...

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!

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

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

minis
 

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.

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.

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 ...

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)

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.

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

Ends in 25 minutes.