April 3, 2025: Spring Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/4/2025
Presented is a truly fascinating assortment of primarily high-grade blank-back proofs of some of the most iconic football cards and the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, along with a large grouping of wrong backs, which similarly includes some of the greatest names in the game. A striking group of blank-back superstars from 1953 Bowman headline, with a lineup that includes the likes of Norm Van Brocklin, Y.A. Tittle, Bobby Layne and Chuck Bednarik, to name a few. Virtually all of the cards are in remarkable condition, easily Near-Mint or better, with razor-sharp corners, bold colors and exceptional gloss; we would typically say “with clean card backs to match” at this juncture, but in this instance the terminology diverges a bit. The blank-back proofs, the overwhelming majority, are uncommonly clean and problem free; the wrong backs are, well, wrong backs. The 1970 Topps array at 158 cards is the lion’s share, blank-back proofs featuring the likes of Sayers, Griese, Kelly, Biletnikoff and Robinson, along with key Rookies like Bubba Smith and Stenerud. The breakdown: 1) 1953 Bowman (20) – blank-back proofs, including Van Brocklin – Very Good, Tittle – VG-Ex, Layne – VG, Bednarik – VG-Ex, Hirsch – VG-Ex and Tunnell Shortprint – VG, with balance mostly VG-Ex; 2) 1959-73 Topps (23) – blank-back proofs and wrong backs, including 10 wrong backs with Karras and 11 from 1973 including Staubach and Marshall; 3) 1970 Topps (158) – all blank backs with considerable duplication, including Sayers (3), Smith Rookie (3), Stenerud Rookie (3), Griese (2), Kelly (3), Blletnikoff (3), Robinson (4), Tuner (4) and Gabriel (3); 4) 1948 Leaf Boxing (9) – wrong backs, with Johnson (VG-Ex), Jeffries (Ex-Mt), Schmeling (VG-Ex) and Fitzsimmons (Excellent), with the balance Very Good to Ex-Mt; 6) 1955 Topps All American (2) – regular cards of Whizzer White (2) – VG; and 7) Miscellaneous (15) – no grades, most are chopped 1957 Topps.
1953-73 Topps and Bowman Football Blank-Back Proofs and Wrong Backs, 48 HOFers, Plus Boxing (220)
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