2011 L-1 Helmar's Leather #19 Ty Cobb

Detroit Tigers Hall of Famer Ty Cobb, appears to have no extra wear.

Helmar began issuing sports related retro items as a novel promotion to help increase the company’s line of beer in 2005, are immediately recognizable by their unique “retro” style. The cards all feature beautiful, contemporary illustrations of baseball players from the game’s earliest years and incorporate the designs of many classic issues, including those of 1933 Goudey, T3 Turkey Red, and 1912 Boston Garter. They are not reprints, but newly created limited-edition cards featuring designs that otherwise would not exist. Furthermore, the cards are intentionally produced with a distressed look, with most having rounded corners and rubbed edges. Another aspect which appeals to collectors is the manner in which they are issued. Initially, the cards were only available in packages of the company’s expanding line of food products, such as Helmar Potato Chips and Caramel Corn. However, the positive response to the cards was so overwhelming that Helmar began producing different issues and selling them on its website. Later, the decision was made to only sell the cards, in very limited quantities,on eBay, a practice which continues to this day (auctions are held weekly under the eBay handle “sirraffles”). What is important to note is that for each card, no more than forty are produced (in some cases, fewer are made), making the assembly of a complete set of any limited-edition Helmar issue all the more challenging. For many collectors, the fact that these cards are not mass produced, but must be collected one by one, is part of their great appeal. For others, it is their fascinating design and method of production, and the fact that if these cards were truly vintage they would cost a fortune. It is also important to understand that some of the sets were only produced for a year or two before being “retired.” However, other sets, such as the extremely popular “R319″ Helmar Big League Brew, remain works in progress, with new cards issued on a monthly basis. In fact, the “R319″ Helmar Big League Brew issue currently has over 400 cards in the set and may soon hold the distinction of becoming the largest baseball card set ever made from quality original artwork!

To learn more about the Helmar Company please visit their website:

http://www.helmarbrewing.com/index.htm

For more information about the company and the history of the cards we recommend an outstanding article written by Mike Shannon of Sports Collectors Digest:

http://www.sportscollectorsdigest.com/featured/helmar-brewing-co-cards-attracting-plenty-of-attention. Finally, a checklist of cards and sets can be found at:

https://helmarblog.com/2012/01/28/l1-helmar-leather-cabinets-checklist/

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