1952 Bowman Baseball Original Artwork, Proofs, And Retouched Cards

Today, a piece of Bowman history I learned from the Spring 1982 edition of Baseball Cards – The Complete Sports Collectors’ Magazine. The initial artwork of Willard Ramsdell for his 1952 Bowman card showcased him as a member of the Reds. However, a trade to the Cubs for Frank Hiller on January 3, 1952, prompted a retouching of the artwork before the set’s release.

In the Fall of 2014, Robert Edward Auctions sold the original artwork for $2700.

When I shared the cards on Twitter, Keith Olbermann added, “Same for Cliff Mapes. The first proof has him in a browns uniform. Second has him in Detroit (and it’s 1953 sized). Issued card has him with Detroit.” He also shared this photo.

Check out The Original Artwork Archive for more!

1952 Bowman Bill Dickey Unissued Original Artwork

This gorgeous 4” x 6” color painting of New York Yankees Hall of Fame legend Bill Dickey was produced for but never used in the final 1952 Bowman baseball set.

Ron Oser Enterprises offered this item with a reserve of $375 in their April 2000 catalog. It was framed and matted with a cut auto.

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1950-52 Bowman and Topps Display Boxes

Vintage, empty display boxes just weren’t as popular as they are today when, in April 2003, this trio was auctioned off in a lot TOGETHER.

Included were a two-piece red and blue 1951 Bowman 120 Count One-Cent Box, a one-piece red and blue 1952 Bowman 24 Count Five-Cent box, and an incredible two-piece red and green 1952 Topps 24 Count Five-Cent Box.

The 1952 Topps box is particularly rare. It has a blue and white “NEW SERIES” label on the front pane of the bottom of the box.

Check out The Unopened Archive for more!