We think that this is the premium card offered on the card in the previous lot! On January 20, 1952, the Kobai Confectionary Company, producers of Kobai Caramel baseball cards, held a special signing for contest winners. At least seven members of the Yomiuri Giants autographed a series of Kobai Caramel cards specially issued for the signing. These were most probably the first ever card company issued autograph cards in the history of the baseball card hobby! In other words, the idea of having a card manufacturer produce a special player autographed version of their cards predates the introduction of this type of card into American card collecting by nearly 40 years!

The series of cards which includes the card offered here was unknown to collectors of Japanese baseball cards until this month. As a result, this card, autographed by Japan Hall of Famer Noboru Aota (d.1997), is extremely rare. Aota, an outfielder, was a five time league home run champion, six time all-star and five time Best 9 award winner. This is your chance to own a card of a Hall of Famer from the first set of manufacturer issued autographed baseball cards ever. It would make a perfect companion to the card of the previous lot. Signed in blue pen. Blank backed card.

Size: 2 1/4" x 3 3/8"

Condition: Autograph--9 out of 10. Card--Good.