Summer 2019 - Item detail
1949 Superman Bubble Gum Package with Cards on the Reverse - Newly Discovered Example!
- Sold For:
- $2,760
- Year:
- 1949
- Auction:
- 2019 Summer
- Lot #:
- 2746
- Category:
- Non-Sports Cards/Sheets/Card Artwork
Complete 25-cent package of Superman Bubble Gum, issued in 1949 by the Fo-Lee Gum Corp., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This exceedingly rare box, along with other vintage gum boxes and gum-related material, was just recently discovered in a Midwest warehouse. Incredibly, our consignor, who was involved in the purchase of the building, rescued all of the material from a large trash bin. (The balance of that material, which we are calling "The Midwest Warehouse Find," is featured in 17 separate lots in this auction.) This is just the second example of this rare Superman gum package we have ever seen. The first, which was not complete, appeared as Lot 1554 in REA's Spring 2009 auction, where it realized $11,750.
Incredibly, the offered package is complete as issued and still contains all 100 pieces of original bubble gum. The real prize; however, is found on the reverse, which features four different Superman cards, none of which appear to be listed in the standard reference guides. The four different unnumbered cards (2.25 x 2.75 inches) were meant to be cut out along the dotted lines (the text on the reverse reads "Cut Out And Save These Cards"). The front of the package pictures two different illustrations of Superman. The larger of the two illustrations, which pictures Superman busting chains, was intended to be cut out and redeemed for "Valuable Premiums Listed Inside." The original premium flyer (13 x 2.75 inches; with slight folds [as issued] and a tiny edge tear) remains in the package and lists the many Superman items available for redemption, including a Superman badge, pen, belt, wallet, and sweatshirt. A "1948" copyright appears on the front of the box. The date "1-1-49" is written on the reverse in black pencil, along with the notation "F-97." A separate handwritten notation on the reverse, written in faded blue ink, appears to read "Reed 1/49." The package (12 x 3 x .5 inches) displays a few moderate tears along the front, but there is no significant paper loss and the cellophane remains intact. One of the end flaps on the right side is missing. The clear tape seen on both the front and reverse is original as issued and was used to seal both of the side openings. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).
Incredibly, the offered package is complete as issued and still contains all 100 pieces of original bubble gum. The real prize; however, is found on the reverse, which features four different Superman cards, none of which appear to be listed in the standard reference guides. The four different unnumbered cards (2.25 x 2.75 inches) were meant to be cut out along the dotted lines (the text on the reverse reads "Cut Out And Save These Cards"). The front of the package pictures two different illustrations of Superman. The larger of the two illustrations, which pictures Superman busting chains, was intended to be cut out and redeemed for "Valuable Premiums Listed Inside." The original premium flyer (13 x 2.75 inches; with slight folds [as issued] and a tiny edge tear) remains in the package and lists the many Superman items available for redemption, including a Superman badge, pen, belt, wallet, and sweatshirt. A "1948" copyright appears on the front of the box. The date "1-1-49" is written on the reverse in black pencil, along with the notation "F-97." A separate handwritten notation on the reverse, written in faded blue ink, appears to read "Reed 1/49." The package (12 x 3 x .5 inches) displays a few moderate tears along the front, but there is no significant paper loss and the cellophane remains intact. One of the end flaps on the right side is missing. The clear tape seen on both the front and reverse is original as issued and was used to seal both of the side openings. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).