This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/10/2015
This lot features the 1938 Gum Inc. Horrors of War card set in its entirety with each of the 288 cards individually graded by PSA. This is easily is one of the most famous trading card sets of all-time. Equal parts gruesome and gorgeous, the historically based set remains widely sought after decades later. 1938 Gum Inc. Horrors of War created a stir in the mainstream media at the time of its release, but it also grabbed the attention of America's most powerful man -- the President.
1938 Gum Inc. Horrors of War is a large set -- 288 cards divided into two series. The original set has 240 cards that focus on the Spanish Civil War, Ethiopian War and the Chinese-Japanese War. The final 48 cards came later as a supplemental release. Among these cards are three that show Adolf Hitler, who was now a threat to the world.
The images on the front are full of color and detail. Many of the images are shocking, even today. Nothing is held back. Scenes of torture, bloody battlefields and children under attack are all shown in the set. The colors are vibrant, further adding to the set's distinct visuals. Backs offer detailed descriptions of what's happening on the card. The writing is equally lively and colorful. Cards measure 3 1/8" by 2 1/2". President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He allegedly used the cards to show people some of the horrific things that were happening overseas. At the time, America was still recovering from WWI and there was little support to get involved in the increasing unstable environment overseas. And while some politicians mocked Roosevelt, the attention helped push the set's popularity to new levels. 1938 Gum Inc. Horrors of War continues to resonate today. Cards continue to command strong prices, no matter the card's condition. Historians can look to the cards to debate their place as a propaganda tool and how they shaped sentiment among the young people and the general public. While there's much to debate about the set, its status as a premier set in the hobby isn't one of them. The cards vary in their grade ranging from Good-Ex/MT with the majority of the set falling into the VG-VG/EX range. Greatest investment opportunity to acquire the this incredibly rare and highly coveted card set.
(PSA)