1928 Player’s Pugilists in Action Set and Checklist

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	Player’s Pugilists in Action
Year	1932
Size	1 1/2″ x 2 5/8″
Images	Black and White
Type	Tobacco
Number in Set	50

1928 Player’s Pugilists in Action Set Overview

Jack Dempsey 1928 Player's Pugilists in Action Boxing This release issued by Player and Sons tobacco company for its Player’s cigarette packages in 1928. 50 cards are in the set, which features famous boxers. The set was one of several that Player’s created with boxers in it.

The set parallels the 1928 Ogden Pugilists in Action using the same pictures and checklist. The cards are virtually the same except with regards to the sponsor. First, instead of the Ogden name on the front, the distributor on the Player’s cards is not printed there. The backs are different as well as the Player’s backs do not have biographies of the subjects. Instead, a cartoon picture of one of Player’s products is shown.

While some cards have a lighter background, overall, the cards have a darker-than-normal appearance, such as the Jack Dempsey shown here. Hall of Famers Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney lead the way on this popular set.

Variations

Collectors should note that at least one variation exists. Card No. 17 names the fighter as Jack Hyams on some cards and Kid Froggy on others. I have seen the Kid Froggy name more often than Hyams but am not sure if that is just my own specific experience or if Froggy is indeed the more common name. I also cannot yet confirm if the card has both variations in the similar Ogden set.

Other variations may exist. However, this is the only one I know about to date.