Collectible of the Week: 1959 Bazooka Pennants
1959 Bazooka Pennant: Phillies
One of two paper-stock inserts found within packs of 1959 Topps baseball cards was an offer for fans to claim a "Free" pennant of their favorite team. To receive a pennant, the fan had to redeem five wrappers of either Bazooka or Blony, send a SASE and document the name of the team pennant they wanted to receive.
Though made available in Topps baseballs cards, the 16 pennants in the set, are commonly labeled as "1959 Bazooka" pennants in online auctions, or price guides. The name is derived from the copyright mark ("Copyright: Bazooka") that is printed on the vertical colored band of each one. The pennants are felt, with team logo and home city screen printed on one side; and measure approximately 5 inches tall and 15 inches long. The Phillies version is white with red logo and "Philadelphia."
Pennants in good condition will command a price in the $25-30 range. Unfortunately, because the Phillies pennant is white, I have often seen it discolored in age. Patient collectors may find them online or at flea markets for $15-20. Interestingly, the paper stock offer insert is just as valuable today as the pennant (and maybe more). They are rare and have sold in excess of $50 themselves...