Unreleased 1936 R327 Diamond Stars baseball cards featured on uncut sheet
By Ryan Cracknell | Hobby Editor
The 1934-36 R327 Diamond Stars Baseball set is one of the most beautiful ever produced. Although the final checklist for the multi-year set reaches as high as #108, apparently there were plans to take it higher.
A 1936 R327 Diamond Stars Baseball uncut sheet shows 12 more cards made it to the drawing board and beyond.
It was discovered in the 1980s by a family member of a printer who used to work with the National Chicle company that produced the Diamond Stars set. The sheet was first made available in 1991 at a Sotheby’s auction. After that, it sold not long after for $75,000. It also spent some time hanging in the National Sports Gallery in Washington.
The 12 cards feature 13 total players. Leading them is a card with St. Louis Browns teammates Rogers Hornsby and Jim Bottomley, both of whom are in the Hall of Fame. At the time, not a lot of cards highlighted two players. Lefty Gomez and Goose Goslin are two more Cooperstown inductees that are also on the sheet.
Here’s a full list of the players on the 1936 R327 Diamond Stars Baseball uncut sheet:
- Benny Frey
- Pete Fox
- Phil Cavaretta
- Leon “Goose” Goslin
- Mel Harder
- Roger Cramer
- Gene Moore
- Rip Collins
- Linus Frey
- Vernon “Lefty” Gomez
- Jim Bottomley/Rogers Hornsby
- Lon Warneke
The cards are blank on the back. The front shows all the printer’s marks. Overall, it’s in decent shape with the exception of a crease in one of the corners. However, that’s in the white frame of the sheet and it doesn’t extend to the cards.
The sheet is about to be put up for sale for the first time in almost two decades. It’s slated to be part of SCP Auctions‘ Spring Premier Auction. Bidding runs from April 6-23.
Comments? Questions? Contact Ryan Cracknell on Twitter @tradercracks.
Interesting to note, the cards on this sheet were made into a reprint set by Den’ Collector’s Den in 1981, complete with (presumably made-up) card backs in the set’s original style.
Ever since you came on board Ryan, Beckett.com has improved teb fold. You’re work, content and sheer volume keep me coming back multiple times a day. Plus I love that you are a “realistic” collector and admit you’re not a high-end box breaker, and can pick off singles from the high-end products at a much lower cost. Keep it coming man, I love reading your stuff!
Aprpreciate, it Tyler!
I forgot to comment on how much I love the look of this set. I really can’t see how Topps, or even Panini & UD produce a modern product based on this set with the success of Heritage, Ginter, T-205&206, etc. Really needs to be done. The color on these backgrounds is phenomenal.
Love the Bottomley/Hornsby card!
I second Chris H. The Bottomley/Hornsby card is just aces!
Need help finding 1934-36 Diamond Stars set listing in current (large) Beckett Catalogue (i.e., page numbers). Not listed under “Diamond Stars”. Thanks.
I am looking been looking for the high number cards from this spectacular set, especially the Ernie Lombardi card. In order for me to obtain any of these cards, I’m going to have expect cards in the very good condition range. The two things that are most important to me is very minimal creases and paper loss, in this case I’m willing to accept rounded corners. The centering can be off as well, as long as it not a miscut. Any help in obtaining these cards please email me. Jeremy54847590@gmail.com thank you very much
Ed, am a new member. We’re you able to find the help you are needing ?? I realize your message is over
5 years old. I have a almost complete “MASTER SET” and many extras I would be willing to sell or trade.
Happy Holidays, Dan