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Posted By: jay behrens

Offered is the first known example of a 1940 Play Ball baseball card with the very rare Superman ad back. A set of known Superman ad backs was offered in the latest REA auction. Here is the description from REA:

Addendum: This collection of fifty-eight 1940 Play Ball cards with advertising for Superman gum cards on the reverse has been assembled over a period of twenty-five years by a very dedicated collector. This very likely represents a complete set of these back variations, a fact which might be of great significance to anyone attempting to assemble a complete "master set" of 1940 Play Balls.

In 1940, Gum, Inc. was all set to produce and distribute its R145 "Superman" series. To help introduce its new product, a small quantity of 1940 Play Ball baseball low-number cards (#123-180) were printed with advertising for the Superman set printed along the bottom of the reverse, to help generate extra interest and excitement in the new offering. The Superman Gum advertising message on these cards had six different wording variations, all very similar to: "SUPERMAN GUM will soon be here. Thrilling! Fascinating! Colorful! Ask your dealer for Superman Gum and Adventure Picture-Story Cards." In every other way, these cross-promotional 1940 Play Ball Gum Inc. cards were identical to other production cards issued in packs. This collection of fifty-eight different represents the largest group of these fascinating and rare advertising cards we have ever seen. The gentleman who collected these took a special interest in these advertising variations, and has assembled an extraordinary collection that could serve as an extremely significant contribution to the Ultimate 1940 Play Ball Master Set.

As you can see, as of the time of the auction there was no known hi# with this back.

Asking price is $500





Jay

The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.