AUTOGRAPHED: 1972 Topps #724 A.L. ROOKIES SCARCE HIGH # signed John Curtis

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Man was the 1948-1949 Leaf baseball set PACKED !!! The set was small in numbers and size with only (98) 2-3/8" by 2-7/8" cards. With only 98 cards, the set was "skip-numbered" with card numbers from 1 thru 168. Likely an attempt to force collectors to keep buying packs looking for their missing cards. (49) cards are considered "Short Prints" and there is one variation card #136: Full Sleeve/Short Sleeve (error)

This scarce 72-card test issue set was released with very limited East Coast distribution making them quite scarce.

Officially simply called "Topps Baseball Photos", their serrated or "DECKLED" edge gave them the name they go by today. The 2 7/8" x 5" inch cards were sold in 2 card packs with gum or 3 card packs without for 5 cents.
Click to enlarge Complete Proof Sheet on left
Fronts are similar to b&w Exhibit Postcards from the 50's with photos and facsimile autographs. The backs make this very scarce test issue more interesting ! They feature handwritten script of player's name, team, position & date and location of the photograph as well as a mock newspaper article.

This was Topps 2nd "Deckle Edge" issue, their first being the smaller and more common 1969 Topps Deckle Edge inserts in 1969 Topps packs.

Variations of 1974 Topps Deckle Edge exist, making this issue more fun and challenging to collect. Backs can be found in gray or a much scarcer white. Also, more limited proof versions with non-scalloped edges exist and can be found with and without card numbers.

Without a doubt my FAVORITE SET - PERIOD. Regular issue, test issues, inserts ... whatever ... this is # 1 !!!

Similar to the early 1900's Mecca Double Folders, these colorful 2-1/16" x 4-7/8" cards are actually 2-cards-in-1 ! Perforated in the center, you can fold to create cards of 2 different players. Unperforated 1955 Topps DoubleHeaders exist. 1955 Doubleheader pack All 132 players (66 cards) in the 1955 Topps DoubleHeaders set were also in the regular 1955 Topps set, with the same action image.
1955 Doubleheader set NOTE: Laid side-by-side the cards form spectacular scenes from actual stadiums !!!
Old-timers - can you identify the stadiums ?

ROOKIES:
Harmon Killebrew, Hal Newhouser
STARS:
Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson ...

Protecting and Storing your Card Collection

There are many different ways to protect, organize and store your sports cards.

Soft Sleeves also called "penny sleeves" are the most basic protection for your cards. Made of thin plastic, they come in packs of 100 and are very inexpensive.

Top Loads are rigid plastic holders and a step up in protection over "soft sleeves". Called top-loads because you place the card thru a thin opening at the top. They come in many sizes for regular cards upto 8-1/2 x 11 for magazines and even larger.

Screw-Down Acrylic Holders
These are sometimes used for better, more expensive cards. Small screws hold two pieces of clear acrylic together. In a variety of sizes and thickness that not only protect the card but can funciton as a paper weight or display item.

There are also Single-Screw Screw-Downs that use only 1 screw to seal the holder. They are easier to use and provide the same type of protectionas regular screwdowns and they are also much less expensive costing as little as .30 in quantity while 1 inch or 2 inch acrylic screw-downs can cost upto several dollars.

AUTOGRAPHED: 1972 Topps #724 A.L. ROOKIES SCARCE HIGH # signed John Curtis

1948-1949 Leaf Baseball Cards
Checklist & Values

1974 Topps DECKLE EDGE
Checklist & Values

1955 Topps Double-Headers (Doubleheaders)
Baseball Cards Set checklist/info

AUTOGRAPHED: 1972 Topps #724 A.L. ROOKIES SCARCE HIGH # signed John Curtis

1948-1949 Leaf Baseball Cards Checklist & Values

1974 Topps DECKLE EDGE Checklist & Values

1955 Topps Double-Headers (Doubleheaders) Baseball Cards Set checklist/info

1948-1949 Leaf Baseball Cards
Checklist & Values

1974 Topps DECKLE EDGE
Checklist & Values

1955 Topps Double-Headers (Doubleheaders)
Baseball Cards Set checklist/info