Zeenut Stories

[birdman42]

The second post above mentions identical cards appearing in Zeenuts, Home Run Kisses, and Ruf Neks. HRK also had their own series; what about Ruf Neks?

Bill

[rhettyeakley]

Originally Posted by birdman42

The second post above mentions identical cards appearing in Zeenuts, Home Run Kisses, and Ruf Neks. HRK also had their own series; what about Ruf Neks?

Bill

The only year HRK had their own set was 1912, after that regular Zeenut cards were distributed in all 3 brands. From differing accounts either Zeenut was the most popular or the least (maybe different tastes in different areas?). But for my money back then I'd probably have gone for the Ruf-Nek's as I like chocolate and Marshmallow.

[oaks1912]

Rhett is completely accurate. The find that he made with multiple Phillips cards filled in a gap for me. I had never found a copy in collecting more than 30 years (at the time). Shortly after I traded with Rhett to acquire the Phillips, I picked up a collection with two additional examples of Phillips. So what was "rare" for me for over thirty years suddenly was common. That is what you learn collecting series like Zeenuts (Old Judge, Colgans, W-600,etc). Clearly like navigating a zodiak boat in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean during a hurricane.

On the candy choices, depending on who you talked with and where they lived, Zeenuts (particularly prior to WW 1) or Ruf Neks were the favorites. Zeenuts were apparently discontinued around 1930 (hence the change from "Zeenut series" to "Coast League") when the candy was no longer profitable. Wholesale price in 1918 was $35 per thousand (3 1/2 cents a box). In the 30's a ten cent product from Collins was also included in the promotion.

When I encounter the ever vanishing baseball fans from the 30's, I ask them about "Ruf-Nek" photos and they all know what I'm talking about if they group up in the Bay Area.