Lot # 2801: 1939 R165 Gum, Inc. "War News Pictures" Partial Set (95/144)

Presented is a partial set of the classic 1939 R165 "War News Pictures" bubble-gum series issued by Gum, Inc., consisting of 95 of the 144 cards, missing only the rare "Dirty Dozen" cards (#109-120) and thirty-seven additional cards (#8, 19, 26, 37, 43, 44, 45, 46, 53, 54, 56, 59, 72, and 121-144). The 1939 R165 "War News Pictures" set chronicles the extraordinary world events unfolding at that time. The exceptional graphics and historically significant subject matter of this gum-card issue make it one of the all-time classics of nonsport sets from the 1930s. Twelve of the eighteen cards needed for completion (#109-120) are commonly referred to by advanced collectors as the rare "Dirty Dozen." These twelve cards are among the rarest of all 1930s gum cards and have been a thorn in the side of dedicated nonsport collectors since this set was first issued. Included are eight duplicates (#3, 5, 35, two 67, 73, 97, and 100). Condition is 13% Vg-Ex to Ex (including two Ex-Mt), 52% Gd to Vg, and 35% Pr to Fr (including a few trimmed). This is a very presentable medium- to lower-grade partial set of this classic 1930s nonsport issue. Total: 103 cards (partial set of 95 plus eight duplicates).