Lot # 1184: 1955 Bowman Complete Set (320)

Complete set of 320 cards highlighted by many Hall of Famers, including Mantle, Aaron, Mays, Kaline, and Banks. Includes a signed example of #235 Joe Paparella (umpire) and both variations of #101, 157, and 204. Missing only three variations (#48, 132, and 195) for a complete master set. Condition is 18% Vg-Ex to Ex (mostly Vg-Ex), 63% Gd to Vg, and 19% lesser (including one trimmed and eighteen that measure small). Keys: #1 Wilhelm (Vg), 10 Rizzuto (Vg+), 22 Campanella (Pr), 23 Kaline (Vg), 33 Fox (Vg), 37 Reese (Vg+), 38 Wynn (Vg+), 59 Ford (miscut right edge, otherwise Vg), 68 Howard RC (Vg), 103 Mathews (Gd+), 130 Ashburn (Pr), 134 Feller (Pr), 158 Hodges (Gd), 168 Berra (Pr), 171 Roberts (Vg), 179 Aaron (Fr-Gd), 184 Mays (Pr), 191 Lemon (Fr), 197 Kiner (Pr-Fr), 202 Mantle (Pr), Paparella (pen signature with inscription, otherwise Gd), 242 Banks (Pr-Fr), 265 Barlick (Vg+), 283 Chylak (Vg-Ex), 303 Conlan (Vg), and 315 Hubbard RC (Gd+). The 1955 Bowman cards (Bowman's final baseball-card issue) have always been very popular due to their classic "television" style and inclusion of so many stars. The flush-to-the-border wood-grain design of this issue makes them very susceptible to corner and edge wear, and very difficult to assemble as a complete set in high grade. Overall a very presentable medium- to lower-grade complete set, with only a few problem cards. This is the type of vintage set that to so many collectors represents the very best value. Total: 323 cards (set of 320 plus three variations).