1949 Bowman Grey-White Backs

[jayshum]

A few years agi, I completed a 1949 Bowman master set with both back colors for cards 1-3 and 5-73. From what I remember, there was no premium for either color and there didn't seem to be any significant difference in availability for either color back.

[Bubbyjoe]

Originally Posted by jayshum

A few years agi, I completed a 1949 Bowman master set with both back colors for cards 1-3 and 5-73. From what I remember, there was no premium for either color and there didn't seem to be any significant difference in availability for either color back.

Thanks Jay! Very cool that you completed the master set!

[G1911]

I have found the grey backs to be tougher, but only tougher relatively to the white stock. Neither is hard to find.

[GasHouseGang]

Can someone show the difference between the white and gray back. Are these white or gray backs?

[G1911]

The difference is pretty drastic in hand - this isn't a subtle white vs. cream type thing but a clear grey and a clear white. A scanner can sometimes make it look a little tough individually, but side by side it is hard to miss. White backs only exist for 1-3, 5-73, the first two sheets of cards (I am not aware of real evidence that this was 1 series or 2 series released).

[G1911]

Also, you can often tell the difference from the front because the stock is different there too.

Grey first, white second. The white backs often have a brighter image, and the border has a rougher and darker appearance.

[jayshum]

I agree that it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference from online scans, but in hand the difference in back color is clear. When I was working on the master set, there were several times I had to email a seller to make sure which back they had.