Aaron: 1952 Clowns
 

Does this card really exist? Does anyone here have one and willing to share a scan?

It exists, see scan below. I remember when it was auctioned by Hunt a number of years ago. I believe it sold for a little over $10K, might be one-of-a-kind......

Is it possible to figure out if it really is a card (offered for sale or given away), or if it's just a photo some guy took?

Paul:

It's a postcard, several are known from the 1952 Indianapolis Clowns, including Goose Tatum & Toni Stone. I would assume that they were produced either by the team or local photographer. I have never owned one to know what the back info might indicate.

Thanks Phil. I actually own the Goose Tatum. I didn't realize it was from the same set.

Here are images of the Tatum, front and back.

Looks different
 

The style of the Aaron and Tatum look very different - I would seriously question if the two cards pictured are from the same "set".

Found it

Is Aaron's body and uniform artwork or an actual photo?
It is extremely hard to tell.

I think it's artwork with Aaron's head superimposed, like the Tatum. They are not the same format but same concept. That's why I think they originate from the same issuer. Could have been issued a year or two apart as well.....

So it's kind of a RPPC then.
I think you are right. It doesn't change anything about it per se but it wouldn't be a photo.

Aaron
 

Dan,

What year was that Hunt Auction? Man, if I collected Aaron items, and I'm thankful I don't, I think in today's market it would go for a lot more than it did even though it was a bit pricey (I like the Hunt estimates on this item). I love the hard to find odd-ball issues!

Same here, I'd love to pick this up someday. You never know. The auction was in March 2008:
http://www.huntauctions.com/live/ima...=792&lot_qual=

In my collection I have this 1954 original 8X10 news photo of three members of the Clowns. I find it interesting that the blue writing in the photo's lower boarder is the same as that on the Aaron RPPC. Due to this similarity I am curious if the RPPC was released in 1952 or actually in 1954 as this photo was. Has anyone seen the RPPC with postal cancelation dated 1952?

appears to be the same "artwork" on this card. don't worry, it's not an original specimen, even though the seller intends it to be perceived that way.

I do like the chocolate bubble gum slogan though: "worlds worst bubble gum company"


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hank-Aaron-1...item3cf444513e