For the Baseball Hobbyist. . .

Original Art Cards issued in 1993 by Fantasy Chicle Co.

Card #149 - ALFRED J. "AL" SMITH, New York Giants | Al led N.L. pitchers with 4 shutouts in 1936

 to extend 1934-36 National Chicle Co.'s R327 Diamond Stars & 1981 Den's Collectors Den Extension set | BLUE INK back variation

During the depths of the Great Depression, National Chicle Company set out to compete with the Goudey Gum Company in vying for children's pennies in the Baseball Card Wars of the early to mid 1930's. National Chicle planned a mammoth 240 card extravaganza but in the final analysis produced 108 cards (170 counting all minor variations). Goudey, by contrast, had begun fast with 239 cards in 1933 but tailed off badly: issuing just 96 pasteboards in '34 - National Chicle's startup year. 

Forty-four years after National Chicle's last card, a hobby vendor Dennis Eckes discovered original artwork intended for use in National Chicle's set. In 1981, Mr. Eckes, under his business name Den's Collectors Den, issued a dozen additions, calling them "Diamond Stars Extension set". Eckes would number his extension set, starting where National Chicle left off, with card #109, ending at #120.

Another dozen years pass and enter Mr. Tom Taber and his Chicle Fantasy Co., billed as "America's smallest Card Co.". Chicle Fantasy added 36 new cards (based on artwork by D'August Roth Martin) in the same format as National Chicle's 1934-1936, contributing number 121 through 153 plus three Negro League Stars (numbered 1-3). Two promotional cards were also issued. Fantasy Chicle sets were limited to 1,936 card sets plus an equal number of uncut sheets - and are surprisingly difficult to find. Proceeds from original sales went toward securing a grave marker for Charles Nelson "Bert" Brown, an obscure ballplayer from Taber's hometown whose life ended tragically in 1910.

Whether you pursue a set or simply want to add one or two favorites to your collection, Chicle Fantasy Co. cards make great additions - as do the earlier Den's Collectors Den gems. 

Card size is just like the originals: 2-3/8" by 2-7/8" and, except for opting for the "pure" card look on the fronts (no player identification or team/position mentioned), they're seamless extensions to Baseball's Golden Era.

Condition: Near-Mint - check the high-resolution scans, front and back; a black background has been provided to assist in evaluating card edges and corners. This is the actual card the buyer will receive. 

ANY number of single cards (up to and including 8" X 10" in size) will ship for the one single card USPS Ground Advantage cost IF the buyer will request and wait for a combined invoice before paying. Also available is eBay standard envelope service for qualifying orders. Questions? Email us.

_______________________

Important: Shipping Information 

Our goal has always been to keep shipping costs low. Our objective is to sell cards and other things of interest to baseball hobbyists - not make money by overcharging on shipping.

  • U.S. residents: We combine multiple items purchased so you pay only the shipping on the heaviest item - all other items ship free of charge. (An exception would be if an item must be sent via media/book rate.)
  • All Other Countries: Email us first.
  • To receive your combined shipping, please wait for us to send you a combined invoice. The eBay checkout system usually displays an incorrect shipping charge. (It is normally too high.) Please do not pay for each item separately; if you pay separately, there is no shipping discount.
  • We pack your order carefully - sandwiching cards between cardboard and utilizing boxes, bubble wrap, etc., as necessary - to ensure your items arrive in the condition you expect.
  • Items are shipped the next business day after we receive your payment. We ship 5 - usually 6 - days each week.
  • Payment should be made within 7 days after notification of  purchase. HM-1

~ The Baseball Hobbyist and Gram invite you to visit their eBay Store ~


Powered by eBay Turbo Lister

FOREIGN ORDERS: We will ship worldwide; please contact us with a list of item(s) desired and we will provide the exact shipping charge.