1935 R327 Diamond Star Original Art Johnny Babich

Sold For:

$3,450

Year:

1935

Auction:

2004 Spring

Lot #:

59

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1930s and 1940s Cards

Offered is the actual original artwork to card #82 of Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Johnny Babich, from the 1935 R327 Diamond Stars National Chicle baseball card set. Babich is a particularly attractive card from the series, which is so highly prized by collectors in large part because of the beautiful artwork and deco-inspired designs of the Diamond Stars set. The detail of the artwork, in large part because of the delicate pinstripe work, is far more elaborate than most cards from the set. Artwork for card sets from the 1930s are exceedingly rare. Back in the late 1970's a group of material surfaced in the collecting world directly from the family of a National Chicle employee, which included approximately 30 original R327 Diamond Star artworks, as well as approximately 25 National Chicle Football artworks and approximately 100 additional artworks from several National Chicle non-sport sets. In fact, Robert Edward Auctions handled virtually all of this material at the time. Today, these artworks have long been scattered to the four corners of the collecting world. When they do turn up, all can be traced directly to this historic find. The offered artwork is an exceptional example of these extremely rare and highly prized original 1930s gum card artworks. As is the case with all Diamond Star artworks, the artwork is on thick artist's board, and measures 4.5 x 5.5 inches. Extremely clean, with sharp, bright, crisp colors. Excellent to Mint. Reserve $1,000. Estimate $2,000/$3,000. SOLD FOR $3,450.00