Auction #8 - June 2021
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/28/2021
The R60 Gum Inc G-Men and the Heroes of the Law set pictured images from a game kids have played for the ages--cops and robbers. In this set, however, the cops were the G-Men and the Hroes of the Law and the robbers or bad guys were those criminals they faced in these perilous situations. Inexplicably, Gum, Inc issued this skip-numbered set in a number of series--some of which were significantly easier to obtain than others. There are well-known runs of cards that are prohibitively difficult like the 400's, 300's and 200's. There are the skip numbered extremely difficult 12 cards, the next difficult group of skip numbered cards. There are the low number left-hand skip card variations and there are other variations. This set is a variation collectors dream.
This set of (168) plus 1-24 duplicates runs the gamut in condition. The five key cards are as follows: #28 G-Men Deliver Death (Poor), 57 Mining For Murder (Poor), 88 Target of Death (Poor), 94 G-Men Strike In The Dark (VGEX), and 100 The Dragnet Snares Its Prey (Poor). Other tougher low number left, trademark 1936 cards break down as follows:
EX (2 cards: 121, 181), VGEX (6 cards: 64, 115, 136, 156, 169, 196), VG (7 cards: 76, 83, 127, 149, 177, 185, 191), GVG (1 card: 107), Good (1 card: 38), Poor/Fair (2 cards: 45 and 49).
Cards in the higher 200's series from 1936 break down as follows: EX (7 cards: 214, 219, 239, 242, 257, 262, 277), VGEX (9 cards: 206, 208, 210, 212, 248, 266, 269, 275, 279), VG (5 cards: 201, 227, 233, 271, 281), GVG (1 card: 203), Poor/Fair (2 cards: 253, 283).
Cards in the higher 300's series from 1937 break down as follows: EX (3 cards: 307, 311, 335), VGEX (5 cards: 389, 397, 405, 411, 419), VG (10 cards: 319, 326, 349, 371, 401, 415, 427, 431, 437, 445), GVG (4 cards: 343, 355, 362, 451), Poor/Fair (2 cards: 381 and 424).
Cards in the lower series range mostly in the VG to EX range with most being VG to VGEX. Complete sets of R60 G-Men cards represent a significant amount of diligence in collecting as many of the numbers rarely come up for sale and, regardless of condition, are highly sought after. The card stock and printing methods of the G-Men set make it difficult to find cards in much better condition than EX. This set is a complete set that, with more time, diligence and money could be upgraded to mid-grade status. All card fronts and backs have been scanned to allow for viewing.
























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