1956 Topps Baseball Card Collection (Kansas City Athletics and Milwaukee Braves)
Ephemera, sports trading cards on cardboard stock • Produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. (Art staff unattributed)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Americana / Graphic Design
Medium & Technique
Lithography and color offset printing on grey cardboard stock with facsimilie signatures
Creation Period
1956
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 2 5/8 by 3 3/4 inches per card; horizontal landscape format
Subject Description
A collection of 1956 Topps baseball cards featuring players from the Kansas City Athletics including Bob Trice, Gus Zernial, Vic Power, and Charlie Bishop, along with Milwaukee Braves players like Jack Parks. Each card features a dual portrait and action shot composition.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good (mid-grade); visible corner wear and minor surface scuffing
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 for the group shown (depending on back color variations and precise centering)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300
Provenance History
Currently part of an estate or auction consignment, as indicated by the 'Auction Time Bid Board' tag (Orwigsburg, PA)
Art Historical Significance
The 1956 Topps set is a classic of sports design, noted for being the last year of the 'large-size' format before Topps moved to the standard smaller size in 1957. It is culturally significant as a record of the K.C. Athletics' early years after moving from Philadelphia.
Notable Features
Features the 1956 design staple of a color portrait alongside an action figure; includes 'Vic' Power and Bob Trice, significant figures in the integration of professional baseball
Condition Issues
Softened corners, minor edge chipping, potential 'gum stains' on reverses (not visible), and surface scratches typical for un-slabbed vintage cards
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in acid-free PVC-free archival sleeves; maintain in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent color fading