16. Rare 1954 Wilson Franks Retail Advertising Display w/Uncut Sheet Probably the most widely-collected of the many regional and oddball issues of the 1950s, the Wilson Franks issue of 1954 featured 20 cards, styled after the Topps cards of the same year, with one card issued individually in each package of Wilson hot dogs. Highlighted by the coveted key card of Ted Williams, the issue also features Hall of Famers Roy Campanella, Bob Feller, Nellie Fox, Gil Hodges, Red Schoendienst and Enos Slaughter, along with a number of stars from the early 1950s. Each player image is apparently stalked by a floating package of hot dogs, an odd design element that adds a bit of whimsy to each colorful card. Although several uncirculated finds from the set have cropped up over the years, cards are generally difficult to find in higher grades, mostly due to their method of distribution, as the cards are typically found worn and stained.
Presented here is a rare cardboard advertising display containing an entire complete set on one uncut sheet. Uncut sheets have occasionally appeared in the hobby over the years, commanding significant premiums, the advertising pieces are a horse of a different color, far more rare and difficult to find companion piece. The sheet is adhered to a heavy cardboard backing as issued by the Wilson Company, with advertising copy printed in red at the top of the display, which measures 12” x 24 1/4”. Incredibly well-preserved, the piece is framed in a double-glass frame that enables the viewer to see the easel-backed reverse, which appears in excellent condition save for some light wear and minor corner creasing. Minor edge and surface wear is evident throughout, with emphasis on the word “minor,” as the overall display value is outstanding. Framed to a finished size of, a rare, and very impressive, display piece highlighting one of the most important of all regional baseball issues, featuring seven Hall of Famers. MINIMUM BID: $7,500
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