Standard Catalog Update #6 : 1920s "Shoulderless"

One heretofore uncataloged issue that has been on my radar lately is what one of the few collectors to own one calls "Shoulderless" strip cards.

The cards are about 1-1/2" x 2-1/2,' printed in sepia on thin card stock. They get their nickname from the fact that the player portraits are cropped rather tightly on the sides, leaving little or no shoulder on the photo.

The player/team combinations thus far known point to 1923-24 as the issue date. The known checklist is:

• Walter Maranville, Pirates
• A. Pennock, Yankees (first name actually Herb)
• E.A. Rommel, Athletics
• Babe Ruth, Yankees
• George Sisler, Browns
• K.R. Williams, Browns
• Ross Young, Giants(actually Youngs)

Because of the format, and some staining seen on some cards, some have speculated these might be some sort of ice cream insert, possibly originating in Canada. Others think it is a candy/caramel issue.

I'm hesitating to "sanctify" this issue by listing it in the Standard Catalog without knowing more of its background. We've seen similar issues in the past turn out to be something cut off a poster, or a game box, or the like.

If you can add anything germane, please post a comment or e-mail me.