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Unique 1933 Goudey Variation

• Sold For: $2,300
• Year: 1933
• Auction: 2004 Spring
• Lot #: 649
• Auction Category: Prewar Baseball - 1930s and 1940s Cards

Two versions of Goudey #169 Al Thomas. One version is a standard issued card (Ex). The second card, however, is a very unusual, previously unrecorded early production variation which is almost identical to the issued card but has the following differences: the card number on the reverse is #127 (as opposed to #169 as issued), and the placement of Al Thomas' name on the front of the card is different. On the front of the issued card, the last two letters of "Thomas" touch his cap. On the variation Thomas' name is in a different position and is completely clear of the cap. Interestingly, the size of the type spelling "Al Thomas" on the variation is also different, slightly larger, and the period which appears after "Al" on the issued card is missing from the variation. We believe this variation was long ago hand cut from the very same sheet as the famous 1933 Goudey #106 Durocher card, and that all cards from this sheet probably had numbers which were different than those actually issued. Period notations on the reverse of the variation clearly suggest they were written when the card was part of a sheet, and include a portion of a date ("1/23/") which if complete would read "1/23/33." This card was almost certainly from a very early proof sheet produced in January of 1933, long before the set was released, and before many changes were made to the design of the set. The card has a tear in the lower left and is otherwise in Good condition. Accompanied by the 1933 Goudey "patent card" of #1 Benny Bengough (Vg) with patent-related ink stampings on reverse. Total 3 cards. Reserve $100. Estimate $200/$400. SOLD FOR $2,300.00