1939 V351 World Wide Gum Set and Checklist

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	V351 World Wide Gum
Year	1939
Size	4″ x 5 5/8″
Images	Sepia
Type	Canadian
Number in Set	25

1939 V351 World Wide Gum Overview

Despite preceding the V353, V354, and V355 World Wide Gum sets in terms of American Card Catalog designations, the V351 issue was produced the latest. Printed in 1939, the cards resemble miniature photographs, measuring nearly 4″ x 6″ in size.

They are nearly identical to the R303A set, which was essentially the Goudey equivalent of this issue. But even though the R303A set is the smaller of the two Goudey sets (R303A and R303B), these V351 photos are still smaller. This auction has a good comparison of all three sizes.

The fronts include black and white images of players along with a replica signature. Backs are some of the most interesting in early baseball issues. The reverses include baseball tips for collectors along with small cartoon drawings provided as illustration. The reverse also states that the cards were produced in Canada, which is another way they can be distinguished from the American cards.

Despite having only 25 cards in the entire set, this is not an easy issue to assemble. The cards are not only rare, but has some pricey ones, including those of Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.