1926 Sports Co. of America (Spalding)

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Posted By: James Feagin

Hello everyone,

I've been on the boards for about 3 years and have never heard any mention of these cards. Is there a reason why they fly under the radar? Selection on E-bay appears to be scant, and Lemke mentioned that until recently they were relatively unknown. Any insight to these mysterious cards would be great.

James

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Posted By: dd

James,

I have several of these and have found information to be scant at best. What I do know is that they were issued in glassine envelopes with a coupon. I have two Ruth's one with the 1926 copyright issued with a red coupon and the other with a 1927 copyright issued with a blue coupon(one of only two known examples with the 1927 copyright).

There was reportedly one find of these cards(in California if I'm not mistaken). Some appear to be untouched and probably were uncirculated, but there are others in lesser condition.

The issue included prominent figures of sport of the day(not only baseballers). Ruth seems to be the most common, but I'd estimate there are less than 100 specimens(of Ruth).

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Posted By: davidcycleback

There was an uncut sheet that came from the Harry Hooper estate, given by the company to Harry.

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Posted By: fkw

To add some more info.....

There are 3 different backs found, Bio back, Ad back, and Blank back.

Many are found handcut from sheets. Ive seen or owned handcut blank back and bio back cards. There was a good hord of these handcut cards on eBay a few years back.

The 1927 Ruth (described in "dd" post above) is the most unusual and by far the rarest.

In the 1980's they were rare. But there was a couple discoveries since then that brought the values down.

All are undervalued IMO

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Posted By: Wesley

Do the 1926 and 1927 Ruth cards have the same photo?

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Posted By: James Feagin

Very roughly, how many sets would you estimate are out there?

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Posted By: fkw

The only difference (on the 2 Ruth's) is the copyright date at bottom of the back. The Ruth is found with a 1926 or 1927 date. All the others cards have a 1926 date.

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Posted By: dd

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Posted By: James Feagin

Darren,

Thanks for the scans. Why do you think that this set doesn't really get any hobby respect? It appears there are at most a couple hundred of each card in existense, not very common at all.

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Posted By: warshawlaw

Since he touted himself as the discoverer/popularizer of the set and many collectors I know shied away from it, figuring there had to be something stinky in there. There were also a lot of "finds" of really high end speciments. They still do not fetch values commensurate with their age and scarcity, but probably never will, either.

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Posted By: peter ullman

in my opinion...they seem more like tags from a product than "cards." I've never paid much attention to them but they are kinda cool and scarce!

pete in mn

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Posted By: bill

this is how mine came when I bought it years ago

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Posted By: Mark

There are a lot of hall of famer rookies in the set from various sports, including baseball (e.g., Paul Waner, Kiki Cuyler, etc.). That Nevers is great, issued 29 years earlier than what the hobby often regards as his rookie.

This letter is pretty interesting - the company was attempting to convince George Kelly to be included in the set:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1926-Sports-Co-of-America-Permission-Letter-Forms_W0QQitemZ8788152547QQihZ005QQcategoryZ50133Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

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Posted By: warshawlaw

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Posted By: dd

James,

This set gets little respect probably because its uncataloged and too scarce to be traded on a regular basis.

Comparably speaking, the T231's that have surfaced have demanded a great deal of respect....likely because they are catalogued(not to mention a less questionable discovery).

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Posted By: Joe Tocco

Interested in parting with that Nevers?
joetocco@mchsi.com

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Posted By: jay behrens

Another drawback to the set is it's size. It's not much bigger than a postage stamp. I used to have a card of Emil Yde as a type card in the 80s. Sure wish I had that card back as it is his only card.

Jay

I love pinatas. You get to beat the crap of something and get rewarded with candy.

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Posted By: Paul

I'd like the Nevers too.

Back on topic, I believe the uncut sheet was in Kiki Cuyler's estate, not Hooper's.

Be very careful of handcut cards. They often are not advertised as such.

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Posted By: bill

i'd like to know if anyone has prices for these cards
my nevers seems to have some interest but I haven't
seen a price guide and don't have any idea of it's approx.
value would hate to get ripped but would like to see it
go to a new home and be appreciated and not put right
back up for sale to just make a buck

bill

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Posted By: warshawlaw

Prices on those are very erratic. It seems that some auctions sky and others tank for no apparent reason.

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Posted By: Rich Klein

But I believe players such as Sam Rice and/or Max Carey had an very ample stock of these cards which they used to furish autograph requests. And I wonder if anyone has kept track of how many of each player (s) in all the sports across the board have showed up for sale/auction.

Rich

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Posted By: Mark

Bill, I'm interested in the Nevers as well. And I come from a good home.

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Posted By: MW

Bill,

Based on the two finds of more than 600 cards we have been fortunate to have made, the Ernie Nevers is by far the most valuable, desirable, and scarcest of the 15 football cards in the set (the Red Grange is blank backed and was cut from an advertising display). In Near Mint condition expect at least $1,000.00, in Near Mint to Mint condition more than $2,500.00 and Mint, at least $5,000.00. These are the minimum prices we would offer. If you would like to sell, I would love to have an opportunity to make a competitive bid, especially if it is graded by PSA or SGC. Feel free to call us at 608-833-5515 or email us at bmwcards@aol.com.


Michael