Fun things added to blank back cards

[brianp-beme]

I have always appreciated a little extra value to be added to my cards, especially those cards that were issued with blank backs. I find them both interesting and a peek into the mindset of kids (and sometimes later adults) of the time the cards were issued. This thread will have ten posts of scans and commentary from the Zeenut series, a great blank canvas for scrawling upon, but feel free to post anything else you might have from blank back card sets (or even ones with printing that have something added to them).

To start with, here are some cards that were used for scholarly purposes, practicing number writing, adding up test scores(?...if so, an 'A' student), and a cheat sheet of conversions.

Brian

[brianp-beme]

Here are a couple that have transfers on them, including one of James Cagney, that Buck Barker needed to work around while writing down research on the player on front.

[brianp-beme]

Here are some that represent the world of artistic endeavor and graphic design. Please stop staring at the palm tree in the background of the card on the upper left, a little WW1 aviator design, make your own deck of cards, the six fingered hand of horror(!), and a little love to create a happy ending (please note that the human heart has been shot through with an arrow, which of course is considered hazardous to health and well-being).

[brianp-beme]

Stamps added for a variety of purposes...directing a player where to sign card (card is unsigned), business addresses, receipts, theater admission, stamp your name multiple times, and a rabbit with a carrot for good measure.

[brianp-beme]

Here are some examples of cards utilized for informational purposes...typed (they ran this one through the typewriter in typical destroy your Zeenut fashion), yearly stats, updates on careers, line-ups, a Buck Barker of a tough to nail down player. My favorites are the blue ink stat recap of a very good player who needed all his great achievements smooshed into illegibility, and the "Good Outfielder" who was fired for drinking his favorite XXX beverage.

[brianp-beme]

Which leads us to cards extolling the virtues of the ballplayer, especially one kid who perhaps was considering a future in sports writing, with descriptive phrases such as "a darn fast man", "a good pitcher an(d) sticker and hitter", and a "flossy twirler", predictions about an up and comer, and even a fair admission that he just doesn't remember Jacobs very well. His competitor only could produce "make things look too easy". Better step it up a notch if you want that daily column, kid.

[LuckyLarry]

[ValKehl]

Someone didn't care much for this HOFer:

[Rhotchkiss]

Brian, I have nothing to add, but great thread - very fun read. Thanks for staring it.

[Leon]

It is a cool threed. Here is a cigar being smoked, added to a front. Another boomerang back (as mentioned before.) from the original collection.

[brianp-beme]

While looking through my Zeenuts for another thread came across these two fun ones...on the right an example of a baseball grocery list card, including the 1lb. of butter, a kitchen staple.

On the left not only a cool finger pointin' stamp, but also the "Do not steal this card for fear the gallows will be your end" warning.

Ominous!

Brian

[deadballfreaK]

No pic, but I have a Kashin of Herb Pennock which says in a very childish scrawl:

HERB PENNOCK WHO PURPOSELY LET BEES STING HIS ARM AS A CURE BUT IT MADE HIM A BIT WORSE. HE (BEFORE) WAS A GOOD PITCHER.

[DeanH3]

Here's one that I no longer own.

[atx840]

Found this in a large raw collection I acquired, not sure who owns it now.

[asoriano]

[CobbSpikedMe]

Always loved these Becker/Prize back W516s.


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