1956 Topps Bob Lennon #116
Collectible sports ephemera, mass-produced lithographic print on cardboard • Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. (Design Department); photography by anonymous staff photographers
Style & Movement
Mid-century American Commercial Realism / Pop Culture Ephemera
Medium & Technique
Four-color offset lithography (CMYK) using Ben-Day dots on clay-coated cardstock with a matte finish
Creation Period
1956
Dimensions & Format
2.625 x 3.75 inches; Horizontal (landscape) format characteristic of the 1956 Topps set
Subject Description
Horizontal composition featuring a dual portrait of baseball player Bob Lennon of the New York Giants. The left side displays a high-resolution close-up facial profile, while the right side depicts a full-body action shot in a batting stance. The Giants logo and a facsimile signature 'Robert Lennon' are integrated into the graphic layout against a light blue background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good (roughly PSA 3-4 equivalent); visible corner wear, edge chipping, and centering issues typical of the era
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $35.00 USD (unsleeved/unopened/raw condition)
Auction Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD (non-graded)
Provenance History
Mass-distributed via bubble gum packs; now part of a private philatelic/numismatic style collection as evidenced by the plastic protective sleeve
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the 'Golden Age' of baseball card design. The 1956 set is historically significant for its large format and for being the final year Topps produced cards in this specific dimension before moving to the standard 2.5x3.5 inch size in 1957.
Notable Features
Features the New York Giants logo before the team's move to San Francisco; includes authentic facsimile autograph used as a design element; unique horizontal layout distinguishing it from earlier vertical 'tall boy' designs.
Condition Issues
Softened corners, minor surface abrasions, age-related yellowing of the card stock, and slight off-center printing alignment
Conservation Recommendations
Store in PVC-free, acid-free polypropylene sleeves or rigid top-loaders. Keep in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent ink fading.