Lot # 1352: High-Grade 1955 Topps Doubleheaders Complete Unperforated Proof Set (66) Including 19 SGC-Graded Cards

Complete set of 1955 Topps Doubleheaders (66 cards), presented in a very rarely seen unfolded and unperforated state. When issued in packs, these cards were perforated horizontally, allowing for easy folding. 1955 Topps Doubleheaders were never issued in this special unperforated form. A set of this type had to have originated at some time directly from someone involved in the printing of the set, or someone at Topps who had been provided with this set by the printer for proofing. The offered cards were pulled from production prior to the final perforation and folding process. Doubleheaders are one of the scarcest and most unusual of all early 1950s gum issues. The design of the set was inspired by the T201 Double Folder set issued by Mecca Tobacco in 1911. When issued in packs, the cards were perforated horizontally, allowing for easy folding, so that each card could picture two ballplayers sharing the same legs. It is interesting to note that while Topps’ standard issue of 1955 was smaller in number than many other years at just 206 subjects, each of the 112 players in the Doubleheaders issue (two players per card) also appears in the standard set. It is also interesting to note that the backgrounds of the cards, when placed side-by-side, form a continuous stadium background image. Doubleheaders were not aggressively promoted and were sold in very limited numbers. Condition is 74% Nr/Mt to Nr/Mt-Mt (including a couple Mint) and 26% Ex to Ex-Mt (mostly due to centering). We have selected 19 cards for grading and encapsulation by SGC. Keys: #3/4 Irvin (Ex), 25/26 J. Robinson (Ex due to centering), 31/32 Banks (NM 7), 45/46 Kaline (Ex-Mt), 53/54 Herman (NM 7), 69/70 T. Williams (NM+ 7.5), 105/106 Aaron (NM/MT 8), 109/110 Newhouser (Nr/Mt), 111/112 Killebrew (Ex due to centering), 121/122 Kluszewski (NM/MT+ 8.5), 127/128 Spahn (NM 7), and 129/130 Gilliam (Nr/Mt+). Thirteen additional SGC-graded cards: MINT 9 (2 cards): #17/18 and 115/116. NM/MT+ 8.5 (4 cards): #23/24, 43/44, 99/100, and 117/118. NM/MT 8 (6 cards): #11/12, 33/34, 85/86, 89/90, 107/108, and 125/126. NM 7 (1 card): #19/20. This is a superb high-grade complete set of this unusual and often overlooked early 1950s Topps series, in the very rare and unusual unperforated form. Total: 66 cards representing 132 players. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.