For the Baseball Hobbyist...

All-Time Greats Type 1 "strip card" ~ 2-3/8" by 3-3/4" size | NOT postcard size*
RED RUFFING, New York Yankees
Issued circa 1974 by The Card Memorabilia Associates, Limited (TCMA)
 
In 1974-1975 TCMA issued four (4**) sets of All-Time Greats cards styled after their popular postcard series (1973-80) but in smaller, 2-3/8" by 3-3/4" format. This is a single from the BLACK and white styled set. The back is in red ink and there are no cutting lines. Accordingly, we have designated it as Type 1. (For a more detailed explanation of the four types, see Four Types Defined below.)

*These TCMA strip cards, at first glance, are confused with TCMA's postcard size All-Time Greats issued 1973-1980. The strip cards are much scarcer than the postcards. An example of each card (utilizing a strip card and a postcard of Hall of Fame great Edd Roush) may be viewed in the last scan. TCMA All-Time Greats postcards measure 3-1/2" by 5-1/2" whereas the strip cards are 2-3/8" by 3-3/4". This is for informational purposes only.

 

For Variation Collectors

 

Some of these smaller All-Time Greats cards were issued in strip card form. That is, TCMA produced uncut strips of 6 cards for retail store sellers. Cutting lines (dots) were printed on some of the cards to guide collectors in separating the cards, if desired. This particular card does not have cutting lines/dots and, therefore, it was probably not issued in that fashion. Still, for easier identification we have designated all four types as "strip" cards.

**Four Types Defined

 

TCMA actually issued four different styles of these smaller All-Time Greats cards (aka "strip cards"):

  • Type 1 - Black & White front with blank back and no cutting lines, issued in 1974
  • Type 2 - DARK Blue & White front with Red ink on the back and no cutting lines, likely issued in 1975
  • Type 3 - MEDIUM Blue & White front with Black ink back and with cutting lines, issued in 1975
  • Type 4 - LIGHT Blue & White front with Black ink back and with cutting lines, likely issued in 1975

For actual examples of the four types, see the third and four scans. These are shown for informational purposes only and are not for sale in this offer. While our knowledge of TCMA issues is far from complete, we believe only Type 3 (and possibly Type 4) cards were actually issued in strips (of 6). Type 1's and 3's were definitely issued in 1974 and 1975, respectively. We have owned cards of each type with the copyright date still affixed. Years have been assigned for Type 2's and 4's but those are estimates since we have not seen cards with copyright dates for them.


Collecting Tip: Due to its non-standard card size, collectors may find this card fits best in 8-pocket sheets. It will also fit standard top-loading 9-pocket sheets but with approximately 1/4" unprotected.

 

Condition: Excellent/Near-Mint with printing dust spot in the right border - check the high-resolution scans, front and back


Shipping OPTIONS are available - YOUR CHOICE of either eBay standard envelope service (ESE) which is cheaper with slower delivery or USPS Ground Advantage (more costly for single cards but much faster delivery). We also offer UNLIMITED singles (up to and including 8X10 inches in size) shipped via Ground Advantage for the one card rate. Both services include insurance but USPS Ground Advantage is considerably quicker, with fewer limitations.

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