Lot # 2889: 1936 R13-1 and R13-2 "American G-Men" Complete Set Pair (2 Sets, 96 Cards)

In the 1930s, G-Men had their hands full fighting crime. The many high-profile cases of the era were plastered across the front pages all across America, capturing the imaginations of youngsters and adults alike, and, of course, inspiring several trading-card sets. Offered in this lot are two 1936 "American G-Men" sets (R13-1 and R13-2), the first and second series. Also included are two rare "American G-Men" magic picture books, designed to reveal the contents of the interior pages through pencil-rubbing. These books are "unused," with no pencil-rubbing visible (Vg-Ex condition overall due to light wear to the covers). No manufacturer is listed on the cards, but they are very likely produced by M. Pressner & Company (which also produced the similar "Government Agents vs. Public Enemies" series). Each set consists of 48 cards, for a total of 96 cards. Series 1 (#101-148): Condition is 31% Ex to Ex-Mt (including one Nr/Mt), 48% Vg to Vg-Ex, and 21% lesser . Series 2 (#701-748): Condition is 16% Ex to Ex-Mt, 65% Vg to Vg-Ex, and 19% lesser (including one trimmed). These two complete nonsport sets dating from the late 1930s are often referred to as "strip cards" because these sets were originally issued in uncut perforated strips. Though the 1930s were dominated by traditional bubble-gum cards, quite a few card sets were issued in this format. Most are very similar in design, and were numbered with card numbers beginning with high numbers (such as 101, 201, etc.) as opposed to beginning with number "1." These cards are printed on a relatively inexpensive, porous stock, and are characterized by a somewhat primitive style of illustration. These two rarely offered and fascinating complete sets each represent this particular style of card production unique to the era. Total: 96 cards plus two booklets.