1959 Home Run Derby Advertising Poster/Complete Uncut Set

Sold For:

$3,525

Year:

1991

Auction:

2007 Spring

Lot #:

1066

Category:

-

This advertising poster (16 x 20 inches) pictures all twenty cards of the Home Run Derby card set, which was issued by American Motors in 1959 to promote the Home Run Derby television program, a show in which the game's greatest sluggers competed in a power-hitting contest. The poster is essentially a complete set of this rare card issue in uncut form with additional advertising for local cosponsor Esslinger Beer and WCAU-TV appearing in the lower margin. The Home Run Derby card set is comprised primarily of stars, featuring all of the great home run sluggers of the era including Aaron, Banks, Hodges, Kaline, Killebrew, Mantle, Mathews, Mays, F. Robinson, and Duke Snider. The poster has two natural fold lines (one vertical and one horizontal) where it was originally folded by the American Motors promotional department to allow for mailing along with other promotional materials in 1959. There are tape stains and minor paper loss in all four corners relating to its use for display in a store front window as intended, and some very light surface wrinkles. The sheet displays beautifully. This is a very interesting and unusual form in which to find this rare set, which as individual cards lists for many thousands of dollars. This is one of only two Home Run Derby card set advertising posters we have ever seen. Dimensions: 17 x 23 inches. Matted and framed to total dimensions of 21 x 27.75 inches. From the Barry Halper Collection. Reserve $200. Estimate $400/$800. SOLD FOR $3,525.00