These cards were originally issued as a furoku (added feature) in an unknown Japanese magazine. The cards each picture the "world's greatest" or tallest, biggest, etc. in various fields of human endeavor. The key card in the set features Babe Ruth standing in a car at a rodeo. The Bambino is seen waving his cowboy hat to the crowd. Other cards include pictures of Charlie Chaplin, Janet Gaynor, Paavo Nurmi, Johnny Weissmuller, Herbert Hoover, William Randolph Hearst, etc. All cards are still in uncut panels of four as issued inside the included King Cards wrapper.
Nowhere on the original packaging for the cards does it mention the year of issue. Previously, the cards were felt to be a 1928 issue, because the back of the Babe Ruth card indicates that he hit 60 home runs "last year." However, it is definitely not a 1928 issue, as the set includes President Herbert Hoover, described on the card as 31st President. Hoover did not become President until 1929. Also, the "tallest building" card pictures the Woolworth Building. However, the "recently completed" Chrysler Building is mentioned on the back. The Chrysler Building was completed in 1930. Therefore, a 1930 date for the issue is probably more accurate.
Some cards are brown tint (including Ruth). Some are green tint, and some are multicolored. Each card contains Japanese text which describes the image on the front.
Size: Each uncut panel of four cards is 4 3/8" x 5 13/16". Each individual card would be 2 1/8" x 2 7/8" if cut from the sheet.
Condition: Nearly all sheets are Nm. The Ruth card would be Nm if cut from the sheet, as there is a very mild corner touch (lower right). The wrapper for the set is missing about 15% of the back and would otherwise grade Vg.
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