John

1880’s Allen and Ginter Album Page

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A hobby library item I’d love to get my hands on is an 1880s Allen and Ginter Album, one of which you’ll see designated as “A16.” This 6” x 8” page, auctioned off in December 2001, is the most desirable from that album, featuring Cap Anson, King Kelly, Tim Keefe, and Charlie Bennett.

Robert Edward Auctions sold a mid-grade complete 1888 First Series Allen & Ginter “World’s Champions” premium album featuring all fifty cards from the N28 Allen & Ginter set in their Spring 2023 auction for $1380.

I’ll share more about the A17 album for the N29 issue another time.

The Fourth Annual National Sports Collectors Convention

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The marketing blitz is on for this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention, but for a bit of hobby history, here’s an ad for the 4th NSCC show, held at the Holiday Inn O’Hare-Kennedy in Chicago from July 7 to 10, 1983.

The ad is from the April 1983 issue of Trader Speaks.

Here’s the program for the show. More scans from inside of it another time!

Josh Gibson Signed Puerto Rican Winter League Contract

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This incredible piece of hobby memorabilia, a Josh Gibson signed Puerto Rican Winter League contract, was offered up for sale in the Mastro West Auction March 2000 catalog. 

Gibson is considered one of the greatest catchers and hitters in baseball history. Gibson signed this contract with the Santurce ballclub in New York City on August 29, 1945. The contract states, “For the aforementioned services, the team will pay the player the sum of twenty-five dollars per week.”

1976 MSA Sports Discs Hank Aaron

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Last week on Twitter, @nightowlcards shared a blog post called Parallels and the ’70s do mix highlighting MSA Discs, particularly the backs. @BeautyOfAGame responded, “An entire volume could be written about the various MSA sets in the 70s and 80s.” I responded by saying, “Challenge…accepted?…” So, an MSA anthology is on the to-do list now.

Anywho, while going through a stack of random cards in my collection, I ran across this 1976 MSA Sports Discs Hank Aaron Blank Back, which looks absolutely incredible in its slab.

When you read about the set, it’s tough to visualize how gorgeous they are and how much bigger the 3-3/8” diameter discs feel in your hand.

1956-57 Chix Confectionary Famous Footballers Set and Album

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I know almost nothing about soccer cards, particularly vintage ones, but I saw this Chix Bubble Gum Football Picture album for sale on eBay and decided to pick it up; the price was right for the hobby library. Inside is a complete 1956-57 Chix Confectionary Famous Footballers Set.

After some research, the set appears to be considered a second series of Chix Famous Footballers following one dated to 1955.

There are quite a few variations to the cards in this set and the album as well; I found this one with a different cover and red text on the inside. 

If you know anything else about this set or the albums, please leave a comment.

1969 Topps Baseball Dealer Sell Sheet

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After I posted about the 1962 Bell Brand Dodgers salesman advertising sheet earlier this morning, a collector on Twitter asked if I could share a clear copy of the 1969 Topps one with the unique rack pack display on it. So here it is; unfortunately, I do not own it and can’t remember where I found this picture.

Sell sheets are basically printed flyers designed to showcase Topps’ latest products and inform dealers about forthcoming releases. They served as a vital communication channel between Topps and its network of sellers. Today, they’re an invaluable reference for researchers, writers, and passionate collectors, providing critical insights into product codes, distribution details, pricing strategies, and card counts.

1962 Bell Brand Dodgers Ad Sheet

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I try to grab card company sell sheets when they come up for sale for the hobby library; I’m super happy to have picked up this rare one, a 1962 Bell Brand Dodgers salesman advertising sheet, a few months ago.

It was made to advertise the 1962 Bell Brand Dodgers set that was distributed inside packages of Bell Brand Potato chips and Bell Brand Corn Chips. The cards pictured on the front are those used in the 1961 set, though.

The back has more product info, images, and advertising text.

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