Lot # 2815: 1944 R59 American Beauties Complete Set (24)

Complete set of this beautiful full-color classic 1940s “girlie” issue. In the style of arcade cards of the era, in 1944 Gum, Inc., issued cards featuring beautiful pinup artwork by the top illustrators of the day. The public’s appetite for pinup art exploded during this era, with images by artists such as Gil Elvgren, Zoe Mozert, and Earl Moran appearing on everything from matchbook covers to ink blotters to calendars. To avoid potential criticism from the general public, Gum, Inc., sold these very risqué cards in tobacco stores, rather than in the candy stores where the kids frequently visited. This very attractive set is crisp and clean, with vibrant colors, and grades as follows: Two Nr/Mt, two Ex-Mt, two Ex, four Vg-Ex, four Vg (mostly due to miscut centering), six Gd, and four with a possible slight trim. Total: 24 cards.