1935 National Chicle Co.'s "Football Stars"
...continued from previous page - sports cards collected by my Dad back in the 30's.
Cards in my 2-panel picture: "Swede" Johnston and Warren Heller...love Heller's jersey - looks much like the retro-Pittsburgh Steeler uniform they wear once a year in the NFL these days. Back in the 30's Pittsburgh's football team was known as the Pirates! Dad's collection included all but one player (Dale Burnett) from the 35-card series...so yes, we had the infamous Bronko Nagurski card (#34)...see more >
A Bull, a Bronko and a Shipwreck are all part of this story. No, this isn't a children's fable, but the tale of the venerable 1935 National Chicle set. Celebrated as the first nationally distributed pro football issue, this 36-card set is lauded for its art deco design. Measuring 2-3/8" by 2-7/8", these pasteboards are smaller than today's standard singles. Card fronts generally present players in action poses amidst a colorful background. The pictures were adapted from 4-1/4" by 5-1/2" oil paintings...