Lot # 2901: 1939 R165 Gum, Inc. "War News Pictures" Near-Complete Set (132/144)

Presented is a near-complete set of the classic 1939 R165 "War News Pictures" bubble-gum series issued by Gum, Inc., consisting of 132 of the 144 cards, missing only the rare "Dirty Dozen" cards (#109-120) for completion. 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. The twelve 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. Condition is 22% Ex to Ex-Mt, 65% Vg to Vg-Ex, and 13% lesser (including one trimmed). Three cards have been professionally graded and encapsulated by PSA. Keys: #1 British Anti-tank Rifle (Vg), 31 Hitler Congratulates Von Ribbentropp (Vg-Ex), 104 (EX-MT 6), 108 (EX 5), 128 (EX 5), and 144 Ski Patrol Derails Train (Gd+). This is a very attractive medium-grade near-complete set of this classic 1930s nonsport issue. Total: 132 cards.