1926 Spalding Champions set - back variations

Big80s

Hello friends,

I've got a couple of cards from this set, and I'm aware of three main back variations: Ad back, Bio Back & Blank Back. But does anyone know anything about the 1926 copyright versus the 1927 copyright? I've heard of this, and I just bought a card that has the 1927 Copyright on it. Scans below... Is the 1927 back harder to find?

The card I just acquired:




The backs I'm familiar with (1926 Copyright):




And for those that aren't familiar with the set - here's what the front of the cards look like...

cpamike

I don't know the answer Jeff, but I do like how they updated the card for his latest bout. That is a really cool item.

Big80s

Thanks, Mike. The only info I can find is that there is a Babe Ruth card from the set also with the 1927 back - but that's it. The company added a line of text to the back of the Dempsey (1927 version) to reflect a fight he had against Jack Sharkey in 1927.

nonpareil

I am sure fkw will chime in here eventually, but this has always been my favorite Spalding mystery: http://centuryoldcards.com/images/1925spdempseyproofsingle.jpg

(My apologies for linking to your site without asking, but I felt it was appropriate to the conversation.)

Big80s

Thanks Alan! I was actually reading that earlier. I hope FKW can clear it up.

wrestlingcardking

I have bio backs of the six wrestlers, and ad backs of five of the wrestlers as Wladek Zbyszko did not have an ad back. What do you mean black back? I have one slabbed that is blank from what I believe was a sheet cut card. There are some 1927s out there that are more rare than the 1926 version. There were also some variation to the cards as a sample sheet that is listed on ebay for an astronomical amount. I saw it in person and would love to have the Strangler Lewis and the Joe Stecher but it is way too rich for my blood.

Big80s

Sorry - that was a typo on my part (now edited). I intended to type "blank" back.

Stone193

Hiya Jeff

Don't know about the set but it's a cool shot of Dempsey. Looks like a super set.

I did notice that he gained 7 pounds from '26 to '27.

Story of my life.

Big80s

<< <i>

I did notice that he gained 7 pounds from '26 to '27.

Story of my life. >>



Mike - that is a GREAT catch! I completely missed that his weight went up. Very fun fact, thanks for pointing that out.

fkw

Cool, thats the first non-Babe Ruth card Ive seen with the 1927 date variation, but I dont really follow the non-baseball players in this set as much

the only thing I can add is beside the 1927 cards the ad back cards are the scarcest overall, and most of the blank back cards are handcut from a large blank back uncut sheet, and there are also 1925 proof cards known as wrestlingcardking mentioned above (see images below)

nonpareil its cool, use links to my pics anytime, thats what they are for.. info purposes
here is the Dempsey proof back image again along with a couple others (I dont own these)


back of 1925 proof card of Dempsey (single card, other proof singles are known too)


sheet image of 1925 proofs (Dempsey 1925 proof has a different image ...its the 3rd row down, 5th card from the left)


followup letter written to Geo. "Highpockets" Kelly asking for him to be included in the upcoming set, which he declined again

wrestlingcardking

Here is one of my wrestlers... I do have all six and have a registry set of them the last couple of years and have earned a few badges for them

Big80s

FKW - thank you so much for chiming in with all of that info. Those 1925 promo cards are SUPER cool! I would love to track down that Dempsey. Have you ever seen any individual promo cards go up for sale? I'd be curious to know what they have fetched.

wrestlingcardking

I have never seen the 1925s go for sale at all but I would be all over the two wrestlers....I can only hope that one day that they will be out there. I wonder how many sheets are out there?

halosfan

Another nice tempting set ... Thanks Jeff

Big80s

<< <i>Another nice tempting set ... Thanks Jeff >>



I'm trying to stay faithful to the 1929 Rogers Peet (Misc Sport) set, but this Spalding set is a lot of fun to buy when they're available! It's a much larger set, and with the back variations, could be a monster to try to complete.

Big80s

<< <i>Here is one of my wrestlers... I do have all six and have a registry set of them the last couple of years and have earned a few badges for them

>>




That's a great looking card, by the way - King! You seem to have the market cornered on the vintage wresting cards.

wrestlingcardking

I have been at it a while....you can look at my registry sets and see what I am up to. Not sure if you have ever taken a glance at all. I seem to be the only one with real interest in graded wrestling cards but sometimes the prices are steep since they can be in multisport sets and people are set collectors. It pays to veer right when everyone veers to the left, or if it does not pay then at least it will be a bit cheaper and it is just plain fun for me..... If I can make a little here and there to aid in my fun, all the better. I hope my enthusiasm can spark a little interest for others. I have always liked the wrestling all stars and that set is just about the limit for modern cards in my collection but I do think that DPeck's promotion of the cards helped gravitate people to them and the cards and characters were recent enough to be in the memory of collectors. I do not think that vintage wrestling will ever be too hot but it just take a few collectors and who knows. With my budget I was never going to be a super collector of the major sports, but with my niche I do think I have the best thing going which is worth something. Trying to be the best in what I do! :-)