Collectible of the Week - 1955 Robert Gould All Stars
A first of it's kind, Robert Gould, Inc. "All-Stars" paired a player statuette with a baseball card. Released in 1955, the 28-subject set contained mostly well-known players from across Major League Baseball - including several future Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Early Wynn and Ernie Banks. Though a middling team in 1954-55, the Phillies were represented by four players led by Richie Ashburn.
The figurines are small - measuring approximately 3" tall. They are made of white plastic and situated on a round base with the player's full name embossed on the front rim. They were originally sold attached to the accompanying baseball card by a rubber band. The notches in the bottom half of the card held the statuette in place. The cards themselves are green - featuring a sketch drawing of the player, which matches the pose in the figurine. Player vitals, 1954 and Lifetime statistics are are listed. Each is numbered.
The sets (statuette and card) are fairly difficult to put together - though patient collectors may be able to piece them together over time, for a reasonable price. Looking at some of the prices for the figurines, when available the individual ones are generally sold in the $30-range. Cards - which tend to have not held up as well over time, are typically found for more than $100 apiece.
Checklist:
- #6 - Curt Simmons
- #12 - Smokey Burgess
- #18 - Gran Hamner
- #22 - Richie Ashburn