Lot # 15: c. 1948 Uncatalogued Kaoru Betto (HOF) Kagome Diecut Menko Card--Rare

Category: Baseball Cards

Starting Bid: $40.00

Bids: 0 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Auction 55 Ended 5/5/2019",
which ran from 4/17/2019 6:00 PM to
5/4/2019 11:00 PM



It has been 15 years since the only other example of this card that we have ever offered was auctioned. This one is in much nicer condition. This is the only baseball card in a set of diecut menko, produced by well known menko manufacturer, Kagome. It is truly unusual in that it is shaped like a big peanut! This example is off-centered on the back, but in reviewing the previously auctioned card, we can see that the text on the reverse refers to Betto as a member of the Hanshin Tigers, a team he played for only in 1948 and 1949. Betto joined Japan Pro Baseball at the ripe old age of 28 years and immediately proved his value, batting .328 in his rookie year and being named to the Best 9 team, an honor which would be bestowed on him for six consecutive seasons. This is a wonderful card for type collectors.

Size: Approximately 1 ½” x 2 ½”

Condition: Borders are sharp. The front contains a small surface chip at the top and surface abrasions near the bottom. The back is in outstanding condition except for off-centering. It is quite difficult to grade a card that is so unusual, but we will call it Good to Vg.

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