(LOT 171)
1955 Red Man Tobacco #7 Willie Mays w/Tab (PSA NM/MT+ 8.5)
This amazing PSA NM/MT+ 8.5 1955 Red Man Tobacco #25 Willie Mays w/Tab is one of only six specimens at this hallowed plateau with only 2 examples graded higher! Red Man Tobacco sets were the first tobacco sets issued since the early part of the century. J. G. Taylor Spink of the Sporting News selected the players for each Red Man set that were issued from 1952-1955, with the 1955 set comprised of 50 total subjects including 25 players from each league (the 2 managers were eliminated from the 1954 and '55 issues). The colorful 3-1/2" x 4" 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 provides eye appeal consistent with the scarce grade, ably assisted by the brilliant Mays half-body pose that depicts breathtaking resolution, rich hues and a super clean light orange background. Further world-class attributes include pinpoint corner tips, pristine-like surfaces and the critical lower tab that remains intact. The imposing aesthetics are synonymous to the "Say Hey Kid's" iconic stature that arguably ranks Mays as one of baseball's top five all-time players. Surely one of the highlights of this miraculous 'Mays Fan Club Collection", its rare technical assessment places it near the top of the 'Pop" Charts as one of the foremost 1955 Red Man Tobacco Willie Mays subjects!

MIN BID $1,250

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