Sports Memorabilia, Trading Cards, and Americana May 16'26
Lot 737:
Description
BID PER WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PHOTO, NOT THE AI GENERATED TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS! A Collection of Vintage Topps Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back Trading Cards
A collection of approximately 60–80 vintage trading cards produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. between 1977 and 1980. The assortment contains cards from multiple sets corresponding to the original film trilogy. Identified series include the 1977 Star Wars Series 2, characterized by blue star-patterned borders, and the 1980 The Empire Strikes Back Series 1 (yellow borders), Series 2 (green borders), and Series 3 (orange borders). Key character and scene cards visible in the lot include #128 Dashing Han Solo, #140 R2-D2, where are you?, #144 Harrison Ford as Han Solo, #183 Dave Prowse as Darth Vader, #190 Calrissian of Bespin, #192 Liberated Princess!, and #239 The young star warrior. A checklist card for numbers 133-198 is also included. Most cards feature photographic stills from the films with descriptive captions. Copyright markings on the lower margins read: © 1977 [or 1980] Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp. All Rights Reserved. and Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. Prtd. In U.S.A.
Standard card dimensions: 2.5 x 3.5 inches.
Provenance / Authentication Note: This item originates from a single-owner collection assembled by a dedicated sports fan (with a strong focus on Notre Dame and New York Yankees memorabilia). The collector actively pursued autographs over many years through in-person events, including games, autograph shows, and visits to National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum during player events, as well as through direct mail requests to athletes and celebrities. The collection included supporting material such as handwritten correspondence sent to athletes (in some cases with payment enclosed), along with photographs of the collector with various signers. A portion of this same collection was featured in our March 21st auction, where multiple items were authenticated by James Spence Authentication (JSA). In regards to any items with signature(s): While this specific item(s) may not be individually submitted for third-party authentication, it originates from the same collection and shows consistency with previously authenticated pieces. As with many large autograph collections, there may be a small number of facsimile or clubhouse-style signatures present, but for the most part we have seen AUTHENTIC SIGNATURES within the collection. Based on the overall provenance and our review, we maintain a strong level of confidence in the authenticity of most items. Bidders are encouraged to review all photos carefully and bid according to their own level of comfort. No additional authentication documentation is included unless visible within the lot photos. Please reach out with any questions.
Condition report:
The cards are in ungraded, raw condition. Visible signs of age-appropriate wear include softening of corners, minor edge chipping, and light surface abrasions. Some cards exhibit minor creasing or edge wear consistent with handled vintage paper goods.
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