Lot # 1056: 1953 Dixie Lids Complete Set (24) Including Seven PSA-Graded Cards

Presented is a rarely offered complete set of twenty-four 1953 Dixie Lids plus three variations and a signed duplicate of Bobby Shantz. Dixie Lids are one of the most fascinating of all food issues in that they were designed as tops for the company's line of ice-cream products and featured well-known sports and movie stars on the inside as a further enticement to young consumers. Originally created in the 1930s, the idea was revived in the early 1950s, but not without complications related to the first issue in 1952. Contractual difficulties with specific players slated to be featured in the set halted the release so long, in fact, the next year's lids were already ready to be issued. Some believe that as a result, the 1952 set was scrapped entirely, resulting in no public issue, while others believe that a small quantity made it out the door as evidenced by the varying conditions in which they are found, including some with apparent ice-cream staining. The 1953 and 1954 sets, while more readily available than their 1952 counterparts, are still scarce in complete set form. This set consists of a mix of the two available size variations (2-1/4 and 2-11/16 inches in diameter) with both sizes included for three players (Carrasquel, Schoendienst, and Trucks). Seven lids have been professionally graded and encapsulated by PSA. Keys: Ashburn, (missing tab, otherwise Vg+, large), Fox (EX-MT 6, large), Gordon/Milwaukee (VG-EX 4, large), Irvin (missing tab, otherwise Vg+, small), Kiner/Pirates (Fr, large), Kluszewski (Vg, large), Lemon, (Vg, small), Parnell (VG-EX 4, large), two Schoendienst (Pr-Fr, large and Gd, small), two Shantz (VG-EX 4 and signed, otherwise Vg, both large), Slaughter (VG 3, large), Spahn/Milwaukee (partially missing tab, otherwise Pr, large), two Trucks/Browns (EX 5, large and missing tab, otherwise Vg+, small), and Woodling (VG-EX 4, large). The condition of the eleven-lid balance is Pr to Fr overall (mostly due to back damage and including three due to missing tabs), with one Vg. This is a very attractive complete set of this scarce and extremely unusual issue worthy of even the most advanced collection. Total: 28 lids (complete set of 24 plus three variations and one duplicate). Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.