Lot # 2809: 1930s F277-3 Heinz "Famous Airplanes" Premiums Complete Set (4)

Exceptionally attractive complete set of four different "Famous Airplanes" premiums issued by Heinz during the 1930s. Heinz produced several aviation-themed sets during this era "for the purpose of stimulating Young America's interest in aviation," as noted on the backs of cards from its "Famous Aviators" set. The offered premiums, which measure approximately 13-1/8 x 9 inches, feature beautiful full-color illustrations of airplanes and are larger versions of the cards issued as part of the "Famous Aviators" set. The backs are blank. A complete set of twenty-five smaller cards could be redeemed for one premium, which accounts for the extreme rarity of these premiums today. According to Christopher Benjamin, author of the definitive work The Sport Americana Price Guide to the Non-Sports Cards 1930-1960, "If all the mail-order premium pictures listed in this book were ranked according to scarcity, Heinz' giant airplane and aviator pictures would rank higher than both Indian Gum and Lone Ranger, and just behind Zoom." This is the first complete set of premiums we have ever offered! Each premium displays as Very Good to Excellent, with vibrant colors and clean, off-white borders. Each would technically grade more modestly due to tiny pinholes at the corners (undoubtedly from display at some point), a few scattered wrinkles, and a name neatly scripted in ink on the blank reverse. Interestingly, the name written in the top corner of each premium is identical, suggesting that this set of premiums has been preserved and kept together for more than ninety years. This extremely attractive complete set of four very rare premiums would be a significant addition to even the most advanced nonsport collection. Total: 4 premiums.