1941 Play Ball Paper Complete Set (24) on Two Uncut Sheets

Sold For:

$4,080

Year:

1941

Auction:

2020 Summer

Lot #:

903

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1930s and 1940s Cards

The 1941 Play Ball paper set was issued in uncut sheets of twelve cards per sheet. Two sheets comprise the complete set, representing twenty-four different card designs. The cards on the two paper sheets correspond to Nos. 1 through 24 of the regular 1941 Play Ball set. This is a strong series in terms of stars, including Hall of Famers Carl Hubbell, Mel Ott, Arky Vaughn, Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, Joe Cronin, Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer, and Red Ruffing. The cards are identical in all respects to the regular 1941 Play Ball cards but are printed on paper-thin stock. Originally sold for a penny a sheet, they were intended to be hand-cut into individual cards by youngsters. Play Ball issued cards in this manner for a very short time, as an experiment in response to the scarcity of paper supplies during WWII. The need to conserve scarce resources such as paper during the war soon resulted in Gum, Inc., ceasing card production during the balance of the war years. Two 12-card sheets, representing a complete set of this unusual and rare war-time series, in their original uncut form. Both sheets are bright, crisp, and clean. Both technically in Excellent condition due to light corner wear. Total: 2 sheets. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).