This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2011
Rare 5 x 7 inch black & white Wheaties issue distributed on an extremely limited basis in 1951, and possibly, not at all. A small cache of these were discovered by a General Mills exec over a decade ago, and were quickly absorbed by the hobby. To that point, experts had concluded logistics stalled the release of the set, but actually, contractual problems with Richie Ashburn and Al Rosen were the true culprit. Production and distribution were halted and all examples destroyed. Ten sets of eight cards were filed for reference; this is from that group. Astute collectors will note the image of Lemon is the same as the graphic card issued on Wheaties boxes in 1952. It features a great portrait of Lemon with name and proper alpha-numeric identifier ("K8491") printed in bottom border. Complete sets of all eight cards have sold for high four figures and the Mantle has been hammered down at $3,800 on its own. This blank-backed card is fresh with clean borders and surfaces, and crisp corners.