1912-14 Boston Garter Trade Cards Set (H813)

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	H813 Boston Garter Trade Cards
Year	1912-14
Size	Various
Images	Various
Type	Trade
Number in Set	38

1912-14 H813 Boston Garter Trade Cards Overview

In the early 1900s, Boston Garter produced a series of trade cards spanning from 1912 through 1914. At least three different sets were produced and they varied in size and appearance. First, there was a 1912 color set (pictured first here) and in 1914, there were color and black and white sets (pictured second and third). Some sources call the third set a sepia issue instead of black and white.

Some included black and white pictures while others featured color shots. The trade cards were unique compared to some others since these depicted actual players.

A player image was shown on the front along with a mention of Boston Garter. The backs included checklists of all three sets as well as an advertisement for Boston Garter.

One interesting fact is that, unlike other trade card issues that were often given out freely, not all of these were free. Cards from the 1912 set cost ten cents for eight of them (either National League or American League) and no discount was given for the entire set. The only free ones were given to dealers who would put them in his/her window display. All cards were distributed by the George Frost Company.

That theme held true in 1914 as well. The 1914 cards stated that the cards were free for retailers only. No price was specified if you wanted to buy them directly.