1930s Forsbergs Idrottsserier Set and Checklist
‘It’s In The Details’
| Title | Forsbergs Idrottsserier |
| Year | 1930s |
| Size | 1 1/8″ x 2″ |
| Images | Black and White |
| Type | Candy/Gum |
| Number in Set |
80 |
1930s Forsbergs Overview
This rare issues comes to collectors from Sweden. It is the product of a company called Forsbergs, which is believed to be a candy company.
These miniature cards look a lot like the 1930s Cloetta cards, produced around the same time. That is noteworthy as Cloetta was another Swedish candy company. it is possible (though uncertain) these two sets were created in conjunction with one another. They have a similar design but are not identical.
A black and white picture of an athlete is shown on the front with their name and a card number at the bottom. Backs have an ad in Swedish briefly identifying the sport and with a Forsbergs logo. The formal name of the set is Forsbergs Idrottsserier, which translates literally to “Forsbergs Sport Articles.”
This is a multi-sport set known mostly for its cards featuring tennis, boxing, and track and field. Other things, such as soccer and auto racing, are also featured.
As an international issue, many of the athletes are unknown. However, collectors will recognize several names, including Hall of Fame boxers Jack Dempsey, Max Schmeling, Gene Tunney, Mickey Walker, and others. Tennis greats Bill Tilden, Suzanne Lenglen, Helen Wills, and several others are also featured.
The cards are pretty tough to find here in the U.S. They are not impossible to locate but do not surface too often.
The dating for this set appears somewhat up in the air. It is sometimes called a 1930 set while others cite it as 1931 and/or 1932. Because of that, it is often simply called a 1930s issue.
In addition to this issue, Forsbergs created at least two other sets. One consists of only Swedish athletes and a second consists of only soccer cards. Both appear to be 1930s. It is possible they produced more.
1930s Forsbergs Checklist
A full checklist for this set can be seen here.
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