Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	Lamar Insurance Babe Ruth Blotter
Year	1930s
Size	3 7/16″ x 8″
Images	White Ink
Type	Trade
Number in Set	1

Lamar Insurance Babe Ruth Blotter Overview

Ink blotters were generally rectangular cards that were popular in the days of fountain pens. They would usually be kept on desks and were used to allow people to wipe off excess ink. To properly absorb the ink, blotters are generally a little thicker and have a different texture than traditional cards.

This blotter was an advertisement for Lamar Life Insurance Company. Its desirability is maintained due to a tie with Hall of Famer Babe Ruth. Ruth offers a quote on the card that reads the following:

“The best thing I ever did was sinking my money into a trust fund and in an annuity. I’m going to keep on doing it, too. If I don’t make another cent, I’ll get $10,000 a year for life out of my annuity.”

These blotters are rare and not seen too frequently. Dating on them is also a bit up in the air. However, I have seen an envelope addressed from the Lamar Insurance Company to Babe Ruth that was postmarked in 1934 and I believe this issue is from around that time.

While not standard trading cards, blotters with sports figures are absolutely collectible. Because they were used to absorb extra ink, you will often find them with ink spots all over them. Ones that haven’t been covered in ink demand a premium.

Blotters were generally an advertisement for a specific product, service, or organization. Along with a picture of a sports figure or team, they usually sought to promote some type of product or business.

1930s Lamar Insurance Babe Ruth Blotter Checklist

This is a standalone issue and not part of a set.

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