November 17, 2022: Fall Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2022
This is a truly important prewar artifact, the controversial and enigmatic 1938 Horrors of War set that featured exotic, colorful artwork depicting often grisly and gory scenes from warfare, specifically inspired by the Japanese-Chinese War, the Ethiopian War and the Spanish Civil War. Released in 1938 as the entire world was in the throes of an approaching world war, the Gum Inc. folks initially released a 240-card set of 2 ½-by-3 1/8-inch cards, then added a supplemental issue of 48 cards detailing the rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany and the beginnings of World War II, with the final 36 numbers from 253-288 being scarcer even within that final series. The non-sport issue is among the most notorious and coveted among advanced collectors, with the incredibly violent and graphic scenes so vividly depicted in blazing, vivid colors making some of the most memorable cards of the period. The offered set is in the fairly typical wide condition range, coming out at 12 percent Excellent, 34 percent Very Good, 35 percent Good and 15 percent Fair. The key No. 283 Hitler card is in Good condition.
1938 Gum Inc. Horrors of War Complete Set (288)
Click above for larger image.