1909-10 S74 Silks Set and Checklist

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	S74 Silks
Year	1909-10
Size	Varies
Images	Single Ink Color
Type	Silks
Number in Set	212

S74 Silks Overview

American Tobacco Company brands produced two silk sets in 1909 and 1910, designated as S74 in the American Card Catalog. Those brands included Helmar, Old Mill, Red Sun, and Turkey Red. As with their other products, these silks were included within packages of tobacco for those four brands.

There are two distinct sets, but both are recognized as S74 silks. One is printed on white silk and the other, colored. The images on the silks resemble the American Tobacco Company’s T205 tobacco cards.

As is the case with the T205 set, numerous big names exist, including Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, and Cy Young. Several players are included in both sets and even variations found in the T205 set (i.e. Roger Bresnahan open and closed mouth) show up in this set as well.

In all, there are a little over 200 total silks across both sets. In general, the silks measure about 2″ x 3″ but vary in size due to uneven cutting.

Of note is that the set is actually inclusive of more than just baseball. The overall S74 silks set actually includes actresses and non-sports personalities.

Some of those can be found attached to cardboard backs with tobacco brand advertisements.

Those actually title the overall set, “Base Ball-Actress Series on Satin.” While the baseball players are obviously the focal point, the actress silks are also pursued and are quite rare.

The one shown here includes an ad for Turkey Red Cigarettes.