Let's see some SCRAPPS!

[Rad_Hazard]

Let's see some SCRAPPS! AKA 1888 H. D. Smith & Company Baseball Gum Card Die-Cuts.

From REA: For decades, the set was referred to as "Scrapps" or "Scrapps Tobacco," but recent extraordinary newspaper archive research has finally allowed for the definitive identification of the issuer: H. D. Smith & Company, a Cincinnati Candy and Gum manufacturer. The hobby has long known that these die-cuts were not actually issued by "Scrapps Tobacco" (as no brand of that name has ever been found) but we personally never thought we would ever learn exactly how they were issued. The fact is, they were actually issued as premiums with gum!

Here are my 2 recent pickups:

[Casey2296]

Very nice cards Rad. I'm glad they finally figured out this was an E issue, that being said I love the "Scrapps" designation, I think that's what I'll name my next dog.

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by Rad_Hazard

Let's see some SCRAPPS! AKA 1888 H. D. Smith & Company Baseball Gum Card Die-Cuts.

From REA: For decades, the set was referred to as "Scrapps" or "Scrapps Tobacco," but recent extraordinary newspaper archive research has finally allowed for the definitive identification of the issuer: H. D. Smith & Company, a Cincinnati Candy and Gum manufacturer. The hobby has long known that these die-cuts were not actually issued by "Scrapps Tobacco" (as no brand of that name has ever been found) but we personally never thought we would ever learn exactly how they were issued. The fact is, they were actually issued as premiums with gum!

Thanks for including this info...I guess I missed the late breaking news. I think I like it being a candy issue compared to a tobacco issue.

Brian

[Rad_Hazard]

Thanks Phil! Scrapps is an EXCELLENT dog name!

Brian, I found that interesting as well and love that they are gum rather than tobacco, makes them very unique. I had no idea myself until I saw the Brouthers in the REA auction. I've been looking for a reasonably priced one for a while and this was perfect. Best hitter of the 19th century in my book.

[Casey2296]

I might be completely off base but wasn't it Al Crisafulli that established these as an E issue?

[Rad_Hazard]

From what I can see you are absolutely right, although the Crisafulli article is nowhere to be found. I would have loved to read that.

I did find this link which tells much of the same story but no mention of Crisafulli, although he was definitely the person who discovered how and who issued them.

https://dannwoellertthefoodetymologi...baseball-card/

[Casey2296]

Al's a member here so maybe he'll chime in and tell the story again but he has an incredible auction he's closing on Sunday so he might have his hands full.

[Tiger Eye]

I have been lurking here for a while, but recently took a few years off from collecting. At 70 years old, I am trying to decide my next steps with regard to my collection. But one thing is certain, I will not get rid of my Scrapps collection I have a complete set graded by SGC. Here are a few :
https://net54baseball.com/images/attach/jpg.gif
https://net54baseball.com/images/attach/jpg.gif
https://net54baseball.com/images/attach/jpg.gif

And , thanks to LOTG for identifying the cards properly and allowing me to actually acquire this card through the auction to truly complete the set:
https://net54baseball.com/images/attach/jpg.gif

[darkhorse9]

Can we all agree that "Scrapps" look so much better in SGC slabs than in PSA?

[Al C.risafulli]

Can we all agree that "Scrapps" look so much better in SGC slabs than in PSA?

When SGC used to hand-cut the holder to accommodate the card, they were fantastic. Now, they just slap them into the slab with a big square cutout.

Vernon, in my opinion, you're the owner of the most important card that exists (from this set). That Robinson/Gleason pair is the one with the "H.D. Smith & Co." identifier on it, which is what sent me on the wild goose chase to identify the company. Without that particular card, they'd still be Scrapps Tobacco.

-Al

[Tiger Eye]

Al, I have a few cards that do not have the black insert. I contacted SGC and they told me that they do not cut the inserts anymore. I do agree that the inserts make the presentation of the card look a lot better.