CGC M116 "Proof" Grading

[sb1]

Likely due to the fact that these are not in fact proof cards, but more likely a sheet that did not receive the black color pass on the front with the names/teams and the back not printed. True proofs would usually have alignment marks on all four borders. Further as indicated in the REA write-up, it's possible they were cut from an ad sheet as well. You will also note they use the term "proofs" in quotations, indicating they were a bit unsure of what they were at the time.

[packs]

I really don't think these cards come from an advertising piece. There are just too many obscure players in the group and without any identifying any of them, I can't see why they'd be included in advertising.

I own the Barney Pelty, for example. I can believe that Mordecai Brown and Walter Johnson would be featured on a ad piece for this set. But I'm not so sure Barney Pelty would be so known that you'd see this photo and know it was him: