[Harford20]

Gary,
What I have found regarding the 1939 Playball Sample backs in relatively small. These were "salesmen samples" that were distributed approximately 3-4 months prior to the release of the 1939 Playball set in order to generate ordering numbers for print runs. To my knowledge, the entire low-number set has a sample variation, with most "sample" variations being with the "Name in Capital Letters" version. I have seen a few low-number cards with the "Name in Upper case/Lower case" versions with "sample" backs, but these are many Stars/HoF cards in the very low numbers of the set.

As far as value and collectability, I have found that most commons and minor star "sample" backs sell for about 2x the regular card in similar condition. I have no direct knowledge of anyone trying to complete a low-number sample set, but have seen many type-collectors have one card in their collections. For the HoF card and big dollar cards like Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, the "sample" variation sells for about 1.5x the regular card. These actually don't sell as well as you might think, especially for Ted, as that is his Playball Rookie and many collectors don't like the stamp covering the majority of the back.

As far as numbers, or percentages of these around, I have really no idea. I would GUESS that for every dozen 1939 Playball low-number cards out there, there is one "sample" variation, but I have no proof or data to back that up.

Just not a lot of collectors on these I assume and not many collectors left from 1939 to tell the tale.

Dave