Rawlings Playing Card Help Request

[trsent]

Can anyone help let me know what these two decks of Rawlings logo trading cards are? They were sold to me in the original plastic wrap. The man who sold them to me said he believes they were made in 1940. One deck has a black border and the other a blue border. The top card on the top of each deck reads: "The Finest in the Field!" and the back has a picture of a Rawlings baseball. They are still stamped sealed.

Any help or information of value or dating these would be appreciated!

1639

1640

[mjkm90]

I would guess 60s or 70s. Definately NOT 40s. Rawlings didn't use that patch until the mid 50s. Can you make out all the stamping on the ball? That may be the key.

[slidekellyslide]

I think 1960s...possibly 70s. The slogan wasn't in use in 1957 as it isn't mentioned anywhere in the catalog I have.

[slidekellyslide]

I'm starting to think that with the 1950's Mantle Glove box shown in the other thread that "The Finest in The Field" may have started when Rawlings first issued the Gold Glove Award which was in 1957. My catalog which does not contain that slogan is from Spring 1957 so I'm guessing that the phrase was first used shortly after the first awards were given out or in conjuction with the awards. These cards may have been issued right around the same time.

[trsent]

Thanks for all the input. Here is a scan that is disorted because of the celophane wrap around the deck:

1645

[mjkm90]

I don't have a photographic history of Rawlings balls, but the RO model was made from the 50s through the 70s. I wouldn't pay much for the cards if I were you. What is he asking?

[trsent]

I don't have a photographic history of Rawlings balls, but the RO model was made from the 50s through the 70s. I wouldn't pay much for the cards if I were you. What is he asking?

I paid much, but I know the guy and he told me they were from the 1940s. He doesn't always know everything, and if I didn't know I was gambling he'd give me the money back. Needless to say, my gamble, so I'll take the risk for this low figure. Ok, is much $20.00?

[mjkm90]

That's not a bad price at all. I would keep them if you like them. Cool display piece and probably tough to find. I havn't seen them.

[slidekellyslide]

I'd say $20 is a good deal for those considering they're still sealed.

[trsent]

I'd say $20 is a good deal for those considering they're still sealed.

I figure if it was from the 1940s like he told me it was a great find, if they are from the 1970s I did medicore.

Now, if only I hadn't bought the W. C. Field cards at the same time for $10.00 more...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1438&item=250028628037

[trsent]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250029283347

I listed these decks on eBay today. It will be neat to see where they end in price.

I was told that the stamp on the card was used from 1940 - 1965 so this should help date them a little easier.