(LOT 849)
1952 Red Man Tobacco #15 Willie Mays w/Tab PSA 8 NM-MT
SAY HEY KID PSA 8!!!... This spectacular PSA 8 NM-MT 1952 Red Man Tobacco #15 Willie Mays with Tab has only been bested by six specimens on the hallowed PSA Pop Chart! Red Man Tobacco sets were the first tobacco sets issued since the 1910s era. J. G. Taylor Spink of the Sporting News selected the players for each Red Man set issued from 1952-1955, with the inaugural 1952 set comprised of 52 total subjects including 25 players and a manger from each league. The colorful cards were extremely condition sensitive because of the manner in which they were packaged, with many surviving examples missing the 1/2" perforated tab at the bottom of each card that could be redeemed for a free baseball cap.

This Willie Mays marvel includes the tab and provides aesthetics consistent with the obscure assessment, starting with the sparkling Mays portrait/bust lithographic pose that defies father time via its crystal-clear clarity, rich hues and imposing autumn orange setting. Additional compliments include right-angled corners, immaculate surfaces and the still attached lower tab. The world-class eye appeal is similar to the Say Hey Kid's legendary career that ranks Mays among our National Pastime's top five all-time players, and arguably baseball's greatest all-time five-tool star. Willie Mays could do it all, and his unequivocal on the field accomplishments, including 660 round trippers, will surely echo for eternity. No wonder collectors pursue his highly coveted cardboard heirlooms, with a mere few possibly boasting the remarkable qualities of this extraordinary Red Man Tobacco masterpiece!

MIN BID $3,000
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