1933 Goudey

Hobby History from a Classic 1930s Propaganda Set: The 1933 Goudey R174 World War Gum Uncut Proof Sheet

by

Mastro offered this incredible uncut sheet of 1/4 of the complete set of 1933 Goudey World War Gum cards in their November 2000 catalog; Heritage Auctions recently re-sold the sheet for $492 in October 2024.

Here’s Mastro’s complete item description:

Offered is an uncut sheet of “World War Gum’ another of the classic propaganda sets of the 1930’s. This one is a Goudey product, employing black-and-white photographs with succinct captions and orange borders to convey its military messages. It is no ordinary group of R174’s, however, this is a full sheet of 24 images (1/4 of a complete set) that were apparently used in the late proof stages of the series’ design. Twenty-four cards are presented here in a 4″ x 6″ layout, on a blank-backed card stock sheet. Other features of this specialprinting are exceptionally-vivid reddish-colored card edges and the presence of a striking depth to the subject photography. The sheet has a large (greater than one inch) selvage area upon which cutting proportions and manufacturer numbering appears. Small punch-holes at the north and south positions were, evidently, a means to secure the sheet for handiwork, or to verify alignment. Technically-figured grading places conditionof the 14″ x 16-3/4” sheet at Excellent, with three distinct edge faults that do not affect the card designs. If the item were framed and matted to present the center subjects, the result would be a crisp Near Mint to Mint appearance. This is a one-of-a-kind mid-production piece that reflects cartophilic history as well as visual splendor.

Heritage didn’t add much to their description, saying:

1933 R174 Goudey “World War Gum” Uncut Proof Sheet. This uncut proof sheet of 24 blank back cards from the 1933 R174 Goudey “World War Gum” series is a remarkable piece of historical memorabilia. Featuring black and white photos of scenes from World War I, the sheet offers a unique glimpse into the past, reflecting the cultural impact of the war and the era’s collectible cards. The presence of holes at the top and bottom, used by Goudey for holding the sheets in place, adds authenticity, making it a prized item ready for framing and display. Measures 14″ x 16 13/16.”

But Heritage did include a scan of the back.

Check out The Uncut Sheet Archive for more!

Amazing Auction History – Eight Uncut 1933 Goudey Proof Sheets

by

How about this for some amazing auction history: A group of eight uncut 1933 Goudey proof sheets from The Official 13th Annual National Sports Collectors Convention Auction, July 8-10, 1992.

Here’s the lot’s description, courtesy of Superior Galleries:

1933 Goudey Proof Sheets. This lot contains eight uncut proof sheets. When cards are printed in color, the printer checks each color process to make sure the presses are working properly and the colors are coming out as desired. This procedure has resulted in the color process such as the Goudey color process sheets. These sheets were not meant to be cut up and distributed-their purpose was to help the printer ensure that all was correct before full production be-gan. These are truly the first cards produced for the issue and are “proofs” in the true sense of the word, as they are meant to be ‘proofread.’

There are exactly two groups of complete Goudey proof processes known and this is one. Two different complete groups of eight process sheets, plus two process sheets of a third group of 24 Goudeys, which since had been cut up for individual sale. Notes from the original Goudey file indicate they were removed in 1943. The punch holes on the left side of each sheet were put there by the printer for the purpose of binding the sheets together with the aim to create a “book” of color proof processes. The same binding process, such as this or staples, is a common practice so the proof processor can keep the sheets neat and orderly for future reference, and separate from other printing jobs.

These sheets were originally taken from the Goudey Company in 1943 and were later discovered in the early 1970g. These are perhaps the most historic and unique uncut sheets ever to be offered for sale. The sheets have been framed and matted. Overall condition is Excellent to Mint.

Estimated value in 1992: $175,000-250,000.

Happy collecting!

Check out The Uncut Sheet Archive for more!

Frank Nagy’s Signed 1933 Goudey Mel Ott Card

by

I ran across this super cool signed 1933 Goudey Mel Ott card in Mastro’s March 2006 Classic Collector Auction catalog. Why so cool? It was part of Frank Nagy’s collection!

Unfortunately, it got reholdered without the Nagy designation before PWCC sold it for $2,212 in August 2019.

Given how hot on-card autos are getting these days, that price looks like a steal for a Pop 2 card.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth Parody Painting

by

Pig League Chewing Gum! Christie’s offered this George Chastain parody painting in their October 1993 Sports Memorabilia catalog.

In the description, Christie’s wrote:

An original painting in acrylics by George Chastain, parody artist known for his pulp magazine, science fiction and movie parodies. The painting spoofs the 1933 Goudey Ruth card No. 181 and refers to ” Pig League chewing gum ” and substitutes peanuts, hot dog, beer and Porker Snax for the bat on the actual card. The painting measures 11 x 14 inches and is one of a series of baseball card parodies done by Mr. Chastain. The lot does not include any publication rights.

The estimate was $800-1,000.

Precious Paper has it now (July 2024) and is selling the painting for $2,500. Here’s a screenshot in case it’s sold and removed from their site—you know, to document hobby history!

The Original Image Used for Lou Gehrig’s 1933 Goudey Cards

by

When Mastro Auctions sold the following Lou Gehrig new-service photograph in May 2008, they described it as being from the 1930s.

They described it as a 6-1/2″ x 9-1/8″ photo of the Yankee great in pinstripes with a look of “fierce determination” and described the card as the model for cards #’s 92 and 160 in the vaunted 1933 Goudey set; here are a pair of examples from Robert Edward Auctions.

Mastro Auctions wrote that the image was in EX condition with good image clarity and contrast. They mentioned, but didn’t show, that the reverse had handwritten editorial notations accompanying a copyright stamp for the esteemed Underwood & Underwood photography studio.

I found some more information from Heritage Auctions’ sale of the following Gehrig Original Photo.

They titled the lot a “1927 Lou Gehrig Original Photograph by Charles Conlon” and wrote that it’s a “Splendid and important image from Gehrig’s 1927 MVP and championship season was used for the Iron Horse’s 1933 Goudey cards #92 and #160. Taken by legendary baseball photographer Charles Conlon for Underwood & Underwood. Measures 7×9.” It sold for $60k in May 2017.

The image dating to 1927 doesn’t mean the Mastro copy isn’t from the 1930s; I believe Underwood & Underwood operated through the 1940s and likely reproduced many of their images. But please let me know if this is an incorrect assumption.

During the auction, Heritage provided this update: “Please note that this is a photo that came directly from the Underwood & Underwood archives and therefore has the original embossed “Do Not Remove, File Copy” raised blindstamp, which can be seen on the front of the photo in two locations.”

1920s Rogers Hornsby News Service Photograph Used For His 1933 Goudey Card

by

Here’s the original mid-’20s news service photograph used for the 1933 Goudey #119 Rogers Hornsby card.

Hornsby’s St. Louis Cardinals uniform style pinpoints this photograph to the 1924-26 period.

The photograph is 7-3/4” x 5-5/8” and was described as having a purple Underwood & Underwood stamp on the back with an adhered slip of paper with a typewritten caption that read, “Rogers Hornsby, St. Lous Cardinals,” and a handwritten note of, “c 1925-26 uniform.”

REA sold this PSA-graded version of what they titled a “Circa 1925 Rogers Hornsby Original Charles Conlon Photograph PSA/DNA Type I – Image Used For 1933 Goudey Card!”

The REA copy sold for $11400 and included this description, “Original photo of Hall of Fame second baseman Rogers Hornsby taken by noted baseball photographer Charles Conlon and used in the production of Hornsby’s 1933 R319 Goudey card #119. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I Charles Conlon photograph by PSA/DNA. The familiar image captures Hornsby bending low in a fielding position as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Conlon’s credit stamp appears on the reverse, along with his handwritten notations that read “Rogers Hornsby St. Louis Nat.” A “Sporting News” credit stamp also appears on the reverse, as does the typewritten notation “Rogers Hornsby, slick fielder, slicker hitter.” Photos used in the production of trading cards have become increasingly popular in recent years. This is one of only a small number of vintage photos we have seen featuring a player image used in the R319 Goudey set. The photo (8.5 x 6.5 inches) has a few tiny pieces of clear tape along the border areas, a tiny edge tear, a few light surface wrinkles, and minor emulsion spots near the right border. In Very Good condition overall.”