Lot # 514: 1911-1914 D304 Brunners Bread Ty Cobb SGC VG 40

Graded VG 40 by SGC. Presented is the key Hall of Famer from the extremely rare 25-card D304 General Baking Co. brand bread series. This is one of Ty Cobb's rarest, most unusual, and most striking vintage cards. Issued by a bakery in the Buffalo, N.Y. area, these cards are known to have five different back styles (Brunners, Butter Krust, General Baking Co., Weber Bakery, and Martens Bakery). Similar in design to tobacco and candy cards of the era, D304s measure slightly larger than T206s, at 1.75 x 2.5 inches. While not “on the radar” of most collectors, these cards are actually considerably rarer than most 1910-era “E” and “T” card issues. The fronts feature very attractive full-color illustrations, each of which is unique to this issue. In recent years, collectors have shown a growing appreciation for the mystique of the rarest vintage-card issues. D304s certainly fall into this category and have always been appreciated but are rarely offered. D304s were issued in 1911, 1912, 1913, and 1914. This is a very sharp-looking card in all respects with extraordinary eye appeal, and it is well centered with brilliant colors and outstanding registration. The back of the card features advertising for Butter Krust brand bread, which is boldly printed in green. Light, unobtrusive creases contribute to the assigned grade. This is an outstanding example, presenting at a level superior than suggested by the technical grade, of one of Ty Cobb’s, and all of card collecting's, rarest, most majestic, and revered prewar cards.