Quote:
Originally Posted by Oldtix
Hardly a dumb question! In non-sports collecting circles, the term "premium" generally applies to mailaway redemption offers. Jimmy's amazing Goudey All-Stars picture, for example, certainly meets that definition. You couldn't buy the item outright; proofs-of-purchase such as wrappers, boxtops, inner seals, etc. (and sometimes a nominal amount) were sent away and you'd get your premium back by mail. The Dizzy Dean Winners Club, Lou Gehrig's Huskies Club and Knothole Gang, and the Babe Ruth Champions all operated in this format, as did most of the children's radio programs and breakfast cereal companies. I think we collectors prize the mailing envelopes almost as much as the items inside...and a few of us seek the boxtops too!
Sometimes, retailers redeemed secondary premiums directly; for example, a premium might be given for a number of proofs of prior purchase (Dixie lid premiums come to mind). However, items distributed on the spot with the purchase of a product would more accurately be described as "giveaways". Otherwise, every T206 or Post Cereal baseball card would have to be considered a premium.
Many store display advertising signs of the era promoted some type of premium or giveaway offer..."call-to-action" marketing has always been effective! Promotional pieces like the beautiful Adams Hats and Benny Leonard movie herald fall outside my definition of a "premium", but are certainly highly collectible.
In sports cards, the term "premium" is more loosely applied. Baseball Magazine Player Posters were offered as subscription premiums, but were also offered for direct sale. In many cases, we don't yet know exactly how the items were distributed and the word "premium" seems to be a convenient catch-all phrase.
I'd love to hear others weigh in on this, and to see more photos!
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Many thanks to Rick (for his incredibly well thought out reply) and to Jimmy (for his helpful PM). I think I 'm now well-versed on "Premiums" and understand the term pretty well. That said, let's see if these items qualify...
1. Ted Williams Ring
2. Jackie Robinson Bust Bank (original version - not the shiny re-make)
3. Jackie Robinson Bust Cane Topper (not sure if this qualifies, or its origin)
4. Babe Ruth Odds and Ends
5. Eddie Collins T3 (gotta be the earliest premium I have)
If anyone knows the origin of the Jackie Robinson Cane Topper, please post!