Underappreciated Rarities

[sreader3]

The rarities among the major tobacco issues (e.g., T205, T206, T207) are pretty well documented. But there are a lot of difficult cards in other prewar sets that seem to fly under the radar. I thought there would be some value in a thread where collectors of less heralded prewar issues share their knowledge about scarcities they have discovered while set building, as well as any speculation as to why the identified cards are so difficult. I am thinking along the lines of ...

Subject: E121-120 George Whitted (Brooklyn)
Reason: Trade from Pirates to Dodgers on 3/14/22, near the end of production

Subject: M101-4 Oscar Stanage (Portrait from Waist) #168
Reason: Photo swap (Todd S. can surely provide a more complete analysis!!!)

Subject: F50 Harrington's/Tharp's/Yuengling's Earl Smith #48
Reason: Chase card for ice cream redemption

Anyone else wanna play?

[benchod]

Good topic
Are you positive about the Earl Smith?

[rhettyeakley]

Only the Harrington's Smith is the "green" one. Many have speculated it is because that was the chase card but I have my doubts. Also, we know from the backs of some of these "ice cream sets" that Ruth was in fact the premium card as he got you free ice cream. I'm with you on the E121 Whitted Brooklyn--that card is pretty tough (as far as E121 Series of 120 cards are concerned), I'd love to upgrade mine but I may have to wait a while.

[sreader3]

I am not positive about Smith, BUT ...

*There have been 435 Yuengling's cards graded by PSA to date, an average of 7.25 for each of the 60 cards in the set.

*At least two examples of every subject except Smith have been graded, with as many as 18 examples of some commons having been graded.

*The pop on Smith is ... ZERO.

While these pop data don't by any means conclusively prove Smith was a chase card, they are suggestive. At the very least, Smith seems to be considerably more difficult than the rest.

EDITED TO ADD: In the PSA pop reports, Smith doesn't seem as difficult with Tharp's--just Harrington's and Yuengling's. (And in the interest of full disclosure I have never owned a Smith with any of these three backs.)

[scmavl]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

Also, we know from the backs of some of these "ice cream sets" that Ruth was in fact the premium card as he got you free ice cream.

I'd hate to know that my grandfather traded off a Babe Ruth card for some ice cream...

[Leon]

Originally Posted by sreader3

Subject: F50 Harrington's/Tharp's/Yuengling's Earl Smith #48
Reason: Chase card for ice cream redemption

Anyone else wanna play?

Something that is a bit strange, if I may, is that this Greiners Bread card is one of two known, from the whole series, in the hobby. Ironically the only other card is also a Harris!!! Since the redemption on back was for bread I classify it as D-Unc., not F50. I wonder what dear old Mr. Burdick would have classified it as? Also shown, since we are here, are a few odds and ends. For those interested I don't think quality control was job one in the manufacture of these little gems. best regards and happy collecting.

[sreader3]

Leon,

Thanks for the pics. I have never heard of Greiners Bread before.

I think Burdick would have called it D384 or some such.

Since only two are known and both are Harris, maybe they were samples presented to Greiners and the company pulled the plug before production?

[FrankWakefield]

I'd think that the cards were actually produced. A salesman could have shown a sample of some other card, Harrington's, or something. It would be a bit of a hassle to just print up a sample. And if making a sample, I'd have thought that there would be different players on the printing sheet... so it seems odd that there would be 2 Harris samples. But maybe you're right. Great cards, Leon.

[Bob Lemke]

that the E121/120 George Whitted, Brooklyn, is not in the 2010 or 2011 Standard Catalog. I don't have access to earlier editions; was it ever listed?

[rhettyeakley]

Originally Posted by Bob Lemke

that the E121/120 George Whitted, Brooklyn, is not in the 2010 or 2011 Standard Catalog. I don't have access to earlier editions; was it ever listed?

Bob, yes it was listed in earlier editions but there was a belief for a while on this forum that it was among the cards from that set that didn't in fact exist (like the Charles O'Leary, Charles Deal, etc. that were all rightfully delisted from the set) until Bob P. produced one from his Brooklyn collection. It should be RE-included in the next SCD as it does in fact exist. It is probably the toughest card in that set--as the E121 Series of 120 isn't particularly difficult to get near completion (The Rawlings "Utl." is also extremely tough--I don't have that one yet).

-Rhett

[Eggoman]

I have Greiner's Bread cards of McGraw and Speaker, too. See PSA's Pop Report. I had a chance at a Near set years ago, but we couldn't agree on price because we couldn't find the cards in a guide!

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Eggoman

I have Greiner's Bread cards of McGraw and Speaker, too. See PSA's Pop Report. I had a chance at a Near set years ago, but we couldn't agree on price because we couldn't find the cards in a guide!

Since I have only heard of a few in total, before these, I would love to see scans to compare any printing differences. No doubt most rare card sets will have more cards turn up as time goes by. It could make the things that don't have "finds" of them even more valuable. I guess these other Greiner Bread cards aren't on the registry as I don't seem them listed. I don't have a membership to see the pop report. That's pretty neat there was/is a near set. I wonder when/if it will come out of the wood work? regards

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by sreader3

The rarities among the major tobacco issues (e.g., T205, T206, T207) are pretty well documented. But there are a lot of difficult cards in other prewar sets that seem to fly under the radar. I thought there would be some value in a thread where collectors of less heralded prewar issues share their knowledge about scarcities they have discovered while set building, as well as any speculation as to why the identified cards are so difficult. I am thinking along the lines of ...

Anyone else wanna play?

1939 Salutations Exhibit Gehrig--almost certainly pulled after just a few month's issuance after his fatal illness was announced in May, 1939. The Exhibit Supply Company would not have wanted to be seen as attempting to profit from the misfortune of a doomed man.

Larry

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by ls7plus

1939 Salutations Exhibit Gehrig--almost certainly pulled after just a few month's issuance after his fatal illness was announced in May, 1939. The Exhibit Supply Company would not have wanted to be seen as attempting to profit from the misfortune of a doomed man.

Larry

Gehrig is difficult; Rizzo is darn near impossible. Kreevich wasn't a picnic either



Other unsung heroes:

Silhouette BG PC Back Exhibits



Coupon back 1927 Exhibits



Exhibit advertising sample cards

[ls7plus]

[QUOTE=Exhibitman;889238]Gehrig is difficult; Rizzo is darn near impossible. Kreevich wasn't a picnic either

Ah, but Gehrig is Gehrig, while Rizzo is still Rizzo. The difference in perspective between a set collector and a hall-of-famer collector! Always appreciate hearing from Adam on Exhibits--very interesting cards. Adam, I am definitely waiting on the book--I guarantee I am a buyer!

Best wishes,

Larry

[Touch'EmAll]

I have been looking a long time for 1931 W502's - no go.

The 1928 W502's, yes - but the 1931's - ouch tough

[Brian Van Horn]

100backstroke,

I'll admit the 1931 W502s are harder to come by, but they are out there. Here are recent pickups from the set for viewing only: