1959 Ted Williams Fleer Cards

[darkhorse9]

I have nothing to base this theory on, but isn't it possible that the problem wasn't with the subjects on card #68 but the photograph? Photograph copyrights are held by the photographer. That looks like it may have been an AP photo or some other press conference photo. Maybe Fleer never got clearance to use the picture and that was the problem. Or maybe Harris owned the photo and wanted compensation for it.

[ALR-bishop]

Oddly, he does appear on a Topps card, but in the 1953 Reprint set from 1991. Also Ted's contract status would not explain why card 68, as opposed to all the other cards in the set is shorted.

Topps contracts ( and Bowman's) were not exclusive of the rights to a players likeness. The contracts granted exclusive rights to market such likenesses with confections ( gum or candy)...which resulted in alternate packaging by Fleer with a cookie in 63 and Leaf with a marble in 1960. The contracts were often, or at least sometimes for indefinite periods. As has been pointed out, Harris appeared on a Bowman card and when Topps bought out Bowman, the purchase included the Bowman contracts

[Exhibitman]

I've never had much interest in the set but the Ted's All Star Record card is a classic image I'd not mind adding to my collection.

[Jayworld]

Thanks for all the great posts and information. Very helpful! I always wondered, too, why the #68 was a short print. Thank you for the discussion.