Helmar cards

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Ray Van

I don't want to get sucked into the debate too deeply as I see both sides (though I am firmly in the pro-Helmar camp), however I felt the need to clarify that yes they used to brew beer back in the early 2000's out of Michigan. They started as a beer and potato chip company and included cards in the packages of chips and used baseball images on the beer.

If those are yours feel free to look at them, they are created by Michigan Brewing Company, a company since out of business that did small subcontracted runs of decorative label items. Somewhat like the days of Billy beer.

Helmar was never a brewer, nor need they have much distribution if any in my knowledge. I live a couple miles from the home Helmar used as their business address and can say I never once saw any of these products. This is why you will never see either with a price tag. They were extremely limited marketing items to build the brand of cards, not the other way around.

It is fine to like them, but disingenuous to represent as true history that this was the original distribution method. This has been discussed over the years very early on.

[JustinD]

I think also some of the not made to deceive folks are relying a ton on current day (which I am happy and excepting of when dated) and not the numerous early Helmar designs and listing practices like the legendary Cap Anson Padlock threads that fooled quite a few on this site as I remember...

[Phil68]

Justin, two things....I CAN see where a collector could be accidentally fooled by that Cap Anson. Not intentional. We learn as we go. Because such a thing never existed, I wouldn't know enough unless it was stated in the listing. I read listings--some don't.
Either way--it's gorgeous.
Two, I loved Lance Parrish! I have a modest collection of Parrish items. Very cool that you admire him, too.

[jingram058]

I have a small binder of both Banty Red and Helmar cards. I like them. And like it or not, they have a following.

[CobbSpikedMe]

I'm always on the lookout for any Jersey City Skeeters Helmar cards like these. If anyone has any available, please let me know. I need them for my Jersey City Skeeters team collection. Thanks guys!




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