[Johnphotoman]

Yoda: I spent a little time researching my notes, and the 13 cards that make up the 1947 Jackie Robinson Bond Bread set, (printing on the backs) are considered a rarity more so then the Bond Bread cards that came in the loaves of bread, the ones with no printing on the backs. The 13 card set - are done entirely in black and white. The images have rounded corners with a white outside border and squared cut cards.

One card in the set has a portrait of Robinson on the front along with a facsimile signature. The back of this one card is the only one to feature a biographical write-up. The others cards have one of two back- with direct ads, that cover the rest of the set.

The facsimile signature the card portrait of Robinson, was likely distributed outside of the rest of the set. Most likely not inserted in loaves of bread. It has long been believed that it was a promo card of sorts available at grocery stores, among other distribution ways. There is this ad from 1947 in the Baltimore Afro new paper that seems to back this theory up: The ad tells people to run to the grocery store to get one for free. It looks like there is no mention of having to buy a loaf of bread. And then there is an ad, not sure where the ad ran, that looks like the front of the card- that says Free Offer, your grocer will give you a pocket-size photo of Jackie, get yours today.

The people who collect Robinson cards could tell you more. Will try and dig up the ad and post them and some other copies I have on these cards. If not I bet someone out there can. PS-I am going over my notes to see if I have anything on the cards you have, can you post pictures of front and backs. Someone more acquainted with your cards could tell you more.

John