This card was undoubtedly a first prize premium card from a display sheet associated with an unknown bromide set. Kaneda, the great 400 game winning pitcher, is shown here in a Swallows uniform that the team members wore from 1955 to 1959. Since we have rarely seen display sheets with single first prize cards printed later than 1952, and we have never seen one later than 1956, we assume that this card was printed either in 1955 or 1956.

Despite all of Kaneda's pitching success, the Swallows team never escaped the Central League's second division from their inception in 1950 until 1961, and they frequently finished in last place. Therefore, Kaneda, who began his Swallows career in 1950, was rarely the subject of first prize premium "winner" cards on early to mid 1950s display sheets. So, it is not a surprise that we have never seen an example of this card until now. Moreover, this is the only giant sized Kaneda card in full color that we have ever encountered!

This card would be a special addition to any Masaichi Kaneda collection.

Size: 7 1/2" x 10 1/4

Condition: Would be Ex/Mt but has a diagonal crease in the lower right corner.