1952 Central Bank of Cleveland cards

[glenv]

Last month I picked up 16 of these cards, 15 of which were uncatalogued. They supposedly came from someone that worked at the bank and do not have staple holes in them. I was suprised to see the current Legendary catalog, which has a complete set of 20 available. Does anyone else have any of these? It seems weird that the set was practically unknown and then two groups turn up. Any bets of if more will come out of the workwork...

cbc_avila.jpg
cbc_doby.jpg
cbc_rosen.jpg
cbc_wynn.jpg

[novakjr]

Damn. Wasn't Wynn the only one that previously know?

[sflayank]

hi glen
there has to be more
the way they were didstributed there should be plenty especially in the cleveland area
dont think legendary will get hios opening
my guess is u paid less than 1000 for the collection but none of my business
if you want to sell..im a buyer
larry

[BasherBoy]

those are awesome

[glenv]

Yes, Wynn was the only known player from this issue.

You'd think there would be more of these around Cleveland, but it took almost 60 years for a second player to turn up...

Sorry, no plans to sell.

cbc_feller.jpg

[JLange]

I found these Cleveland Plain Dealer ads on GeneologyBank for the Central National Bank of Cleveland Autographed Photos set and "Baseball Savings Club." It looks like they ran the promotion for two seasons in 1951 and 1952. Since the cards that have been seen so far all show player stats through 1951, those are consistent with the 1952 issue date. Interesting to think there could be TWO sets, 1951 and 1952, for this rare regional issue. Would love to see more cards and any further evidence of a 1951 set if they are out there!

The first ad is from April 8, 1951 and the 2nd ad is from April 14, 1952. Note the 2nd ad has language, "For the second big year..." and also refers to the set of autographed photos as "Player-History Cards" in 1952.

[Volod]

My aunt once worked at that bank. I may have saved a couple of bucks - wonder if I should check with the state to see if my account is still open?

[JLange]

Now that's cool! Your Certificate is from 1952 as well. I especially like that it has the facsimile autographs of both the president of the Cleveland Indians (Ellis Ryan) and the president of the bank. Truly a joint venture!

[sflayank]

The 1951 is for autographed photos
Probably photo pack photos
Tje 1952 is for the player history cards

[Exhibitman]

There’s another obscure Al Rosen card I have to track down.

[Volod]

Al was probably the best third sacker the Tribe ever had. Had he not suffered a crippling hand injury in '55, he might have become one of the best all-time.

[Exhibitman]

Rub it in whydontcha?

[Volod]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Rub it in whydontcha?

Just one of the advantages of living in beautiful Cleveland, Ohio.

[RedsFan1941]

not mine, but here's a pin issued by the bank in conjunction with the cards

[sflayank]

great ancillary piece

[RedsFan1941]

...

[RedsFan1941]

also have an envelope used by the ban to mail the cards.

[JLange]

Larry is probably right about the 1951 cards being picture pack photos. I found a few more ads and they appear to show a distinct difference between the 1951 and 1952 cards, albeit in cartoonish picture form. Take a look at the "card" the kid is holding in each of the two ads below. The 1951 version looks like he is holding a picture pack photo. The 1952 version looks very much like the "player history cards" that we have seen in the thread.

Would still love to learn if there were any distinct markings / backstamps etc. that might establish 1951 CNB photos as distinct from ordinary picture pack photos that year.

By the way, great ancillary items (pin, envelope, certificate) to go along with this set!

[steve B]

I think it's really cool that they adjusted the clip art from one year to the next. Just one of those things about getting the details right that is a lot less common these days.