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Circa 1929 "W553" Marble Bubble Gum Novelties Pack Collection (14)

• Status: Reserve Not Met
• Year: 1929
• Auction: 2009 Spring
• Lot #: 1535
• Auction Category: Unopened Packs and Boxes

Collection of fourteen unopened nonsport packs related to the W553 baseball series, issued in packs entitled "Bubble Gum Novelties" by Marble Gum in 1929. The address of Marbel Gum is printed on each wrapper ("3411 N. 2nd St., Phila., PA"), which is translucent, allowing one to view the card inside upon close inspection. Each wax pack contains a stick of gum and one card picturing a famous movie star printed in duo-tone surrounded by an elaborate ornate design. For years this set has always been known only as W553 (issuer unknown) and while we have not seen the movie-star cards in this series before, over the years we have seen W553 baseball cards that are unmistakably from the same series. This find of fourteen unopened packs is particularly significant as it identifies the manufacturer as well as defines this issue as a bubble-gum card set, and one of the earliest of all bubble-gum sets. These packs are from a newly discovered extraordinary find of rare unopened circa 1930s nonsport cards, all of which are offered in this auction. These unopened packs look exactly as they did when they were shipped to candy stores and distributors in 1929. When received here for auction, twelve of the fourteen unopened packs were still in a bundle tied with string, exactly as originally shipped from the manufacturer. Also included is an additional single pack that has been opened (includes original gum, wrapper, and one card). Total 15 packs (14 unopened and one opened). Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR