1959 Home Run Derby Complete Set on Uncut Sheet/Advertising Poster

Sold For:

$38,400

Year:

1959

Auction:

2023 Summer

Lot #:

1180

Category:

Postwar Baseball - 1950s Cards

Addendum (7/27/23; 2:00 PM and 8/2/23; 12:00 PM): Please note this sheet has been restored to its current state through a professional process in which four quadrants were joined together at the seams. Close inspection reveals the work that has been performed; it presents extremely well at arms length with no obvious signs of restoration. This advertising poster 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 co-sponsor Esslinger Beer and WCAU-TV appearing in the lower margin. The Home Run Derby card set is composed primarily of stars, including Aaron, Banks, Hodges, Kaline, Killebrew, Mantle, Mathews, Mays, F. Robinson, and 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 is light toning on the left edge and minor rippling. 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: 15.5 x 22 inches (visible dimensions). Matted and framed to total dimensions of 20 x 26.5 inches. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Opening Bid $1,000.