Sunday 28 February 2010

1955 Bowman

I have asked it before and I don't mind repeating myself. What is the matter with '55 Bowman cards? Why is there no love for '55 Bowman - 'the TV set'?

I won an auction on e-bay UK for 49 cards from this set, without challenge. They may not be in the best condition, ranging from poor to fair, but they are from the 1955...and Bowman...and I love this set. The last set produced under the Bowman name until it resurfaced in 1989.

The previous owner (owners)has made some of these cards unique. A number are cut down by a fraction possibly to make them fit in some sort of holder, wallet or pocket? A few more have names added; C.C owned a couple, then one or two have been used a playing cards with 2 and 4 added to the four corners of the back.

The best individualisation by far is #96 Ray Narleski. At first glance I thought of Superbad but then realised that the previous owner had drawn daggers across his arms and face. The back was subjected to a similar fate. What is that about?
For those who are interested the auction included;
#4 Eddie Waitkins Orioles
#67 Don Larson Yankees
#83 Max Surkont Pirates
#96 Ray Narleski Indians
#106 Del Rice Cardinals
#107 Solly Hemus Cardinals
#120 Ed Burtschy Athletics
#127 Hank Majeski Indians
#131 Willard Marshall White Sox
#137 Bob Talbot Cubs
#140 Bobby Shantz Athletics
#141 Wes Westrum Giants
#144 Art Houtteman Indians
#145 Bob Nieman White Sox
#146 Don Liddle Giants
#150 Bill Klaus Red Sox
#153 Eddie Robinson Yankees
#155 Gerry Staley Redlegs
#157 Ernie Johnson Braves
#162 Charlie Maxwell Orioles
#163 Sid Gordon Pirates
#165 Maurice McDermott Senators
#169 Carl Furillo Dodgers
#176 Joe De Maestri Athletics
#177 Willard Nixon Red Sox
#180 Johnny Logan Braves
#182 Bob Rush Cubs
#190 Fred Baezewski Redlegs
#192 George Strickland Indians
#193 Howie Judson Redlegs
#197 Ralph Kiner Indians
#203 Steve Gromek Tigers
#211 Sonny Dixon Athletics
#212 Jack Dittmer Braves
#217 Del Crandall Braves
#218 Joe Adcock Braves
#219 Whitey Lockman Giants
#221 Skinny Brown Red Sox
#223 Hal Jeffcoat Cubs
#226 W.J.McKinley Umpire
#237 Johnny Wyrostek Phillies
#249 Billy Gardner Giants
#257 Tom Alston Cardinals
#261 Walt Moryn Dodgers
#271 Bob Hopper Indians
#299 Lonnie Warneke Umpire
#300 Tommy Byrne Yankees
#307 R.A. Pinelli Umpire
#310 Ken Lehman Dodgers
They are rough, pre-loved, but what an addition to the collection.

3 comments:

AdamE said...

.49 for a bunch of 55 Bowman sounds like a good deal to me

Captain Canuck said...

very cool.

Play at the Plate said...

What a great bunch of cards. Great find, no matter the condition.