Seeking information on unidentified 1935/36 Cuban issue

[marcdelpercio]

I recently picked up this group of cards from an issue that I have not been able to identify or find any information about whatsoever. It is apparently a Cuban (or possibly Puerto Rican) set titled on the back as Cigarros "Junco". A Google search turns up no results at all for this brand or set.

The players are Clydell Castleman, Frank F. Frisch, Travis C. Jackson, and Burgess Whitehead. Based on the teams and ages of the players listed on the cards, it appears this set was released in late 1935 to early 1936.

The cards appear to be authentic in every way, and of the time period stated. Does anybody have any knowledge or information regarding this set? Any other examples you have seen? Thanks!

[Tripredacus]

Another:
https://www.heat.net/store/Rare-Will...944584996.html

[Brian Van Horn]

Hartnett?

[swarmee]

Looks like they could be very rare since they seem to be coupons, with a half, one, or five redeemable for some item from a premium catalog.

[rgpete]

More than likely from Puerto Rico Junco was the the main Hub in Puerto Rico for Tobacco in that area The Players are to generic and have no resemblance to the player named

[marcdelpercio]

Originally Posted by rgpete

More than likely from Puerto Rico Junco was the the main Hub in Puerto Rico for Tobacco in that area The Players are to generic and have no resemblance to the player named

That would make sense as I purchased them from a seller in Puerto Rico. Yes, they seem to have three generic poses...one for fielders, one for pitchers, and one for catchers. Thanks for the response and info!

[marcdelpercio]

Originally Posted by Brian Van Horn

Hartnett?

Great find! That does appear to be very similar. Although the poses look to be generic on these, it certainly does seem like this was the basis for the 'catcher' pose. Thanks for the info!

[h2oya311]

There’s a good possibility these came from Cuba instead. American baseball was very popular with the Cubans during this time-frame. Also, there is a listing for Junco Cigarros in Cuba according to a Google search. The seller certainly had quite a few Cuban cards available for sale as well. But Puerto Rico is just as good a guess.

I’m hoping a few other stud players turn up. Would love to find a Johnny Mize or Dizzy Dean.

Also, I think you could call these a 1936 issue. Burgess Whitehead played for the Cardinals in 1935 and the Giants in 1936. His Junco card shows Giants.

[marcdelpercio]

Anybody else have any thoughts on these? Is this a previously unknown set? I've hit a total dead end in finding any other mention or examples of these beyond mine and the one that Brian posted.

[Brian Van Horn]

Originally Posted by marcdelpercio

Great find! That does appear to be very similar. Although the poses look to be generic on these, it certainly does seem like this was the basis for the 'catcher' pose. Thanks for the info!

Thank you, Marc.

[swarmee]

I expected a few more of the Cuban/Caribbean experts to weigh in. You may want to look for previous Cuban threads to see who they are and send them direct messages to take a look in case they're not paying attention to the board as often.

[Jason19th]

The teams included make me think Cuba because those three teams all played series in Cuba in the late 1930’s. These cards could have had something to do with these tours

[marcdelpercio]

Originally Posted by swarmee

I expected a few more of the Cuban/Caribbean experts to weigh in. You may want to look for previous Cuban threads to see who they are and send them direct messages to take a look in case they're not paying attention to the board as often.

Good advice, John. I will give that a shot. Thanks!