1926 Spalding Champions question

[glchen]

Hi Brad, I believe the order of scarcity for the backs are as follows:

1927 Copyright
Ad Back
Stats Back (or sometimes labeled 1926 Copyright)

With the Stats back being the most common. I believe the thinking is that the blank back version was cut down from an uncut sheet (Link). Not sure how obvious that is on your version. The scarcity of the blank back versions are probably on par with the 1927 Copyright backs.

[epike3]

I would say the same, I have only seen blank backs as part of the sheet. I have about 20 stat backs and no ad backs, the stat backs are pretty cool and the ad backs are boring to me in comparison.

Always looking to add any track and field that I don't already have!

This set was produced a company that used to operate a block from my first job. Made me wonder, if I snuck into the basement would I find a couple sets tucked away and forgotten for 90 years

Best,
Ed

[MW1]

The Ruth is an after-factory sheet-cut card and is probably the toughest Spalding variety to find. Based on the uneven ("wavy") right edge, I'm going to guess that it was hand-cut and in all probably, removed from an uncut sheet some time ago. It still has some decent value, the cut & tear/repair notwithstanding, due to scarcity.

[brianp-beme]

Overall I really like the design and photos used in the Spalding issue, but one detail on the Ruth card has always bothered me. It is a great pose, but those extra dark eyebrows just have to go. Still a great card, just kind of distracting.

Brian