Lot # 2794: 1933 R174 Goudey "World War Gum" Near-Complete Set (95/96) Plus Wrapper

Presented is a near-complete set of R174 "World War Gum" issued by Goudey consisting of ninety-five different cards (out of 96 in the set), missing only #53 for completion. The set is accompanied by an original wax wrapper as well as nine 1930s V360 "World War Gum" Canadian cards. Goudey's "World War Gum" series is one of the most popular nonsport sets ever issued. The orange and red cards feature black-and-white photos of various war scenes, with a card title printed on front and a description of the scene on the reverse. Condition of the set is 13% Ex or slightly better, 68% Vg to Vg-Ex, and 19% lesser (including two trimmed). Condition of the nine V360 Canadian cards (#2, 4, 24, 28, 29, 30, 32, 40, and 48) ranges from Vg to Ex, averaging Vg-Ex. The original wax wrapper (4-3/16 x 6 inches) technically grades modestly due to tape residue, otherwise presenting in Very Good to Excellent condition. Compared to baseball cards of the era, these early nonsports cards, which are at least as scarce, represent a particularly outstanding value. In our experience, we have found the 1933 R174 Goudey "World War Gum" series to be a particularly difficult to find set. Total: 105 items (near set of 95 plus nine V360 cards and one wrapper).