1951 Wheaties Premiums

[hcv123]

When do any of you first remember seeing these available for sale/auction? When were they added to the standard catalog? Not a stretch to think someone "created these" in the past 20 years. Anyone have one who is or knows a photo paper expert?

[sflayank]

these have been in the book a long time
they were listed as general mills and booked for $10ea

[whiteymet]

Gentlemen:

I opened this up for discussion in the memorabilia section to see if any of the photo collectors would be able to date the photo in question.

There is some VERY INTERESTING information and comments over there.

You can read it here:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=175818

I have in kind, "invited" them over to our discussion here. After reading some of the later posts there I feel we are getting closer to an answer.

Fred

[whiteymet]

Originally Posted by hcv123

When do any of you first remember seeing these available for sale/auction? When were they added to the standard catalog? Not a stretch to think someone "created these" in the past 20 years. Anyone have one who is or knows a photo paper expert?

Howard:

I first came across one of these at the old Willow Grove show in PA during the 1980's. So these were "out" long before the SCD Standard catalog was issued.

I collected extensively in the late 60's into the mid 70's and would have picked these up then if I had ever seen them. So, what you are saying is very possible, but I have no way of knowing for sure.

Maybe someone has some old SCD's or other old collector issues and can determine when the "1951 Wheaties" first showed up on the scene.

Anyone?????

As for photo/paper experts, it is well above my paygrade! ;>)

Fred

[Bestdj777]

Definitely an interesting discussion over on that end. Glad to see some photo experts weigh in. It is amazing what they know about photos.

I am still leaning towards 1951. New York had very high expectations for Mantle, and I cannot think of a reason why he would not be included in a 1951 issue.

[whiteymet]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

Definitely an interesting discussion over on that end. Glad to see some photo experts weigh in. It is amazing what they know about photos.

I am still leaning towards 1951. New York had very high expectations for Mantle, and I cannot think of a reason why he would not be included in a 1951 issue.

Hi Chris:

SORRY to burst your bubble. But Craig over on the memorabilia forum has proved beyond a doubt that the Mantle photo is from Oct. 6, 1952

See:http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...=175818&page=3

Thus it could not have been issued in 1951.

So now we know that the 1951 Wheaties set is NOT from 1951, it is time to wonder if it is a Wheaties set at all or issued by another company.

I have reached out to Bob Lemke to see if he has any recollections of the genesis of the set over on the memorabilia forum. You may want to follow over there to see what his response is.

Next we have to contact those at SCD who put out the Standard Catalog to make some kind of revision on the listing for the set.

Fred

[Bestdj777]

I don't think Craig has proven anything beyond a reasonable doubt--that is a very high standard and I still have my doubts. Pretty strong evidence that it is not from 1951 though. Owell. Still one of the most attractive cards made of him.

[pawpawdiv9]

Hey Chris, you start erasing some of those 0's of that asking price yet?
This discussion has become very interesting and i have been digging thru and researching myself proving whether or not it is 'Wheaties'.
Great Stuff!!!

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Hey Chris, you start erasing some of those 0's of that asking price yet?
This discussion has become very interesting and i have been digging thru and researching myself proving whether or not it is 'Wheaties'.
Great Stuff!!!

Hahah, the price is perfectly fair Chris!

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by hcv123

When do any of you first remember seeing these available for sale/auction? When were they added to the standard catalog? Not a stretch to think someone "created these" in the past 20 years. Anyone have one who is or knows a photo paper expert?

Howard,

I had contacted General Mills archives and they stated they were not aware that they issued these. It is not altogether surprising since they archives had started in 1980 and the person I spoke with was certain that they did not have all available knowledge. However, they did have knowledge of issuing a set of color pictures with a metal frame as a separate mail in redemption. You can find these on eBay.

One of the earlier auctions suggested the '51 Wheaties Premiums were "liberated" along with some perfect examples of the boxes, from the issuing company. I do not remember the exact wording, but with some digging I am sure I can find the exact phrasing. This really doesn't pin down the year any better, but it does leave open the possibility that this may not be a General Mills issue.

Z Wheat