Lot # 2800: 1938 R69 Gum, Inc. "Horrors of War" Partial Low-Number Set (151/240) Plus 98 Duplicates

Presented is a substantial collection of 1938 R69 Gum, Inc. "Horrors of War" consisting of a partial low-number set (151 out of 240) plus 98 duplicates. The set is missing the rare high number series (#241-288) and the following eighty-nine low-number cards for completion: #7, 11, 29, 31, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 45, 47, 48, 55, 64, 72, 75, 87, 103, 111, 114, 115, 133, 136, 150, 153, 155, 157, 158, 160, 161, 165, 166, 167, 171, 172, 173, 175, 182, 185, 187, 188, 189, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, and 211-240. Condition is 12% Vg and 88% ranging from Pr to Gd (including a few trimmed). Key: #1 "Marco Polo Bridge Is Scene of First Fighting" (Pr). Gum, Inc.'s "Horrors of War" is perhaps the single most famous non-sport card set ever issued. The sensational graphics and the politically-charged descriptions on their reverses also made this series perhaps the most controversial set ever issued. Looking over these cards, and realizing that the scenes depicted were not ancient history but then-current world events unfolding at the time, it is almost inconceivable that these cards were actually issued to youngsters with bubble gum. Death, destruction, and bloodshed characterize the artwork of the set. Youngsters went wild. Parents went wilder. The set's place in the history of card collecting is forever secure. "Horrors of War" was originally planned to be 240 cards, and was even sold in 240-card set form. Later an additional 48 high number cards (#241-288) were added to the set. The high-number series cards are particularly rare. This presentable lower-grade collection is ideal as a foundation for a complete set, or for the collector who has a serious interest in the classic "Horrors of War" set but does not want to spend the thousands of dollars extra which are represented by the rare higher-value cards of the set. Total: 249 cards (partial set of 151 plus 98 duplicates).