Lot # 3403: 1944 R59 American Beauties Complete Set (24) Plus Wrapper

Complete set of this beautiful full-color classic 1940s “girlie” issue. In the style of arcade cards of the era, in 1944 Gum, Inc., issued cards featuring beautiful pinup artwork by the top illustrators of the day. The public’s appetite for pinup art exploded during this era, with images by artists such as Gil Elvgren, Zoe Mozert, and Earl Moran appearing on everything from matchbook covers to ink blotters to calendars. To avoid potential criticism from the general public, Gum, Inc., sold these very risqué cards in tobacco stores, rather than in the candy stores where the kids frequently visited. Condition ranges from Vg to Nr/Mt (averaging Vg-Ex and including five with 100/0 side-to-side centering), with four trimmed. Included is an original American Beauties wrapping band (5 cents for 12 pictures) in Very Good condition. Total: 25 items (complete set of 24 cards and one wrapper). The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.