Iconic card you Want but you don't like the set/image.

[irv]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Irv-- Not just TVs, but color TVs. Check out how many ( few) color TVs existed in 1955

Good point, Al.

I don't recall how old I was when my folks got a colored T.V., but I can say, the 50's were long gone by then.

[ajquigs]

I was born in the 1960s and since I was a kid I loved the kitchiness of the wood paneled "Color TV" theme of the 55 Bowman's.
With the first mainstream color TVs available in 1954, it was an honest attempt to use something cutting edge to compete with Topps. Of course, even if people had color TV sets (in 1964 still only 3% of U.S. houses had one) there were very few color broadcasts.
I guess I'm glad these cards are relatively unpopular as it keeps them more affordable. I'll always consider it a truly classic set that reflects its time more than almost any other. Sort of like the Art Deco design of the Diamond Stars in the mid 30s.

[geosluggo]

When the '55 Bowmans were released, holding a color TV in your hand was unimaginable. Aside from the Mays and Aaron, I've never collected them, but I think it's a very cool, of-its-time design.

[clydepepper]

I don't know if it's iconic as its appearance makes it less desirable. Most of cards in the 1948 Bowman set are ugly, but a Rookie Card Mug Shot of a Hall-of-Famer takes the cake:

1948 bowman spahn.jpg

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by irv

Good point, Al.

I don't recall how old I was when my folks got a colored T.V., but I can say, the 50's were long gone by then.

Yeah this is definitely another "each unto his own" set. I absolutely love the '55 Bowmans and have never understood why they aren't more popular. The TV sets just scream 1950's. Yes, it's true that virtually nobody had a color set in 1955, although the technology did exist. I'll take the fact that it's not the most popular set (at least in comparison to '55 and '56 Topps) - just means I can get them for cheaper!

[Rookiemonster]

I love baseball I love TV I love cards so I'm cool with the 1955 bowman set. I don't however like the umpires. It might as well be a bunch of checklists.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Rookiemonster

I love baseball I love TV I love cards so I'm cool with the 1955 bowman set. I don't however like the umpires. It might as well be a bunch of checklists.

I love the 55 Bowman set. I agree on the umpires sucking, they are also insanely overpriced. The Mantle and Aaron cards are the only 2 that sell for more than the umpire cards in the same condition. I know I have bought and sold a few Mays cards for less than I paid for several of the umpire cards I have.

I think it was the mid 70's before we had a color TV. Seen several B/W sets being used as second TVs in kids/parents bedrooms through the mid 80's.

[Puckettfan]

This will probably be unpopular but I think the 56 Topps Mantle is frightening. The head shot of the Mick makes him look like some kind of frog monster.
Mick 56.jpg

[CW]

You're not the only one, Puckettfan. I love Mantle cards, and I love the '56 set. The '56 Mantle? Not so much.

[ajquigs]

Originally Posted by Puckettfan

This will probably be unpopular but I think the 56 Topps Mantle is frightening. The head shot of the Mick makes him look like some kind of frog monster.
Attachment 259723

I admit I'm far from being a Mantle collector (the only one I have ... '55 Bowman) but I'm with you that the '56 picture is one of his worst. To me, his mouth is almost clown like.

[irv]

Originally Posted by Puckettfan

This will probably be unpopular but I think the 56 Topps Mantle is frightening. The head shot of the Mick makes him look like some kind of frog monster.
Attachment 259723

We all have different tastes and likes, and that's a good thing, trust me, but personally, I love the 56 Mantle card. Next to my 52 Topps copy, that is definitely my next favorite.

[ValKehl]

I think the 1956 Topps Mantle is the ugliest of all the regular-issue Bowman and Topps cards of Mantle. This said, I still have this 1956 Topps Mantle card that I pulled from a pack when I was a kid! But, I'll happily trade it for a pre-War cards I want.

1955 may have been the year my folks got our first (b&w) TV set. Perhaps this is why I have always liked the 1955 Bowmans. Bowman cards weren't available where I bought my cards as a kid, but I was able to get some from my buddies via trades. IMHO, the 1955 Bowman Mantle is a much nicer looking card!
Val

[Rookiemonster]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I love the 55 Bowman set. I agree on the umpires sucking, they are also insanely overpriced. The Mantle and Aaron cards are the only 2 that sell for more than the umpire cards in the same condition. I know I have bought and sold a few Mays cards for less than I paid for several of the umpire cards I have.

I think it was the mid 70's before we had a color TV. Seen several B/W sets being used as second TVs in kids/parents bedrooms through the mid 80's.

I picked up a 1955 Bowman Mays for 25 buck last year. Obviously not mint but far from a beater for sure. And I've been eyeing up 1955 Bowman Aaron of late.


Puckett fan I also hate that head shot but love the leaping image in the back round. He looks odd to say the least in the head shot.