1938-39 Val Decker Packing Co. Cincinnati Reds Postcards

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Posted By: Ben

I recently picked up this PC and would like to know more about it. From what I've found via some quick internet research is that these are referred to as 1938-39 "Val Decker Packing Co." Cincinnati Reds Postcards. Can anyone provide additional info about this set? Anyone on the forum own any? Some past sales info. would be great too. Thanks!

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Posted By: Glen V

I think they are from the 1937-39 Orcajo Postcards (PC786) set, which can be found with different advertisements, including Val Decker & Metropolitan Clothing.

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Posted By: Tim Newcomb

Ben,

The Val Deckers are a part of the Orcajo Postcard series of 1938-39. My understanding is that Orcajo was the photographic studio (they also manufactured non-BB postcards), and they clearly made arrangements with Decker, Metropolitan Clothing, and WHIO Radio, placing those companies' names in the fronts of the photos. The "Orcajo" legend can be found on the postcard backs. All the known cards are Reds except for Joe DiMaggio.

I have been actively collecting them and own about 60% of the photos in the set. In my experience the Deckers are a little scarcer than the plain Orcajos. Met Clothing examples are a good bit scarcer, and WHIO I've never seen, only heard of.

Recent Ebay prices for commons have ranged from $30-65 depending on condition. Larry Fritsch has a number of Orcajos, Deckers, and Met Clothings listed in his most recent catalog (@$45-125 or so).

Hope that helps--

Tim

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Posted By: Ben

Glen and Tim, thank you for your helpful responses. Very much appreciated!

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Posted By: Robert S

Is that they are Real Photo postcards...

Here's a Lombardi:

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Posted By: Lyman

Hi Ben. Nice to hear from you. Just wanted to let you know that a plain (no ad on front) version of the Orcajo postcard is shown on the Old Cardboard website at http://www.oldcardboard.com/pc/pc786/pc786.asp?cardsetID=927. It is the same Harry Craft card without the ad.

The interesting thing about the example on the website is that it was used as part of a promotion for Goodrich Tire Company. As indicated by the message on the card back, it was sent by a Goodrich dealer to a customer and invites the customer to come in and see their new "Safety" tire--and "for future pictures," presumably others from the Orcajo set.

Also, does your card measure the full 3-1/2 x 5-1/2 inch standard postcard size? I have never seen an Orcajo card without a white border.

Happy Collecting,
Lyman

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Posted By: Tim Newcomb

Ben,
I feel foolish for not mentioning this originally: all the ones I've seen have borders. I afraid yours could be trimmed--

Tim

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Posted By: Ben

Thanks Lyman, for pointing that out. I do not have the card in hand yet, but when it does arrive I will let you know about the measurements. It wasn't an expensive purchase, so if it does turn out to be trimmed, it's no big deal. That Lombardi sure is nice Robert! I am curious as to what the Dimaggio looks like.