Curiosity brings me cool vintage cards from Europe

Trading cards have always documented history, be it the World Series, World Cup, or World Wars. It's fascinating what one can find out there, from all corners of the world. 

A recent discussion on Vintage Non-sports here and here about a French company, Globo, using Bowman and Topps images and re-issuing their own sets in the 1950's such as 1950 Bowman Wild Man R701-18. Unauthorized, perhaps. We may never know. 

Nonetheless, Globo was issuing their own sports cards back into the 30's, such as the rare 1937 Globo Chewing Gum Sports Champions Set, here. With my curiosity about Globo piqued, and after much clicking about I ended up on French sellers listing. The seller didn't have any of the non-sports sets I was looking for but I did pick up these.



This 1936 or 1937 set chronicles the 1936 Tour de France.  Pretty cool stuff. 

____________________________________________

The seller also had a movie card lot from a French series of sets. 1930-1932 La Pie Qui Chante.

These are small. 1 1/8" x 1 15/16". 

P (1st) Series

4th Series

Q (2nd) series


6th series

The Gable card is what caught my attention.  This card is referring to 1931 MGM's Sporting Blood. The movie is recognized as Clark Gable's first top-billing role, yet he doesn't make an appearance until 45 minutes into the film. 

Footnote about this order - I had to go pick this bubble mailer up at the post office. When the clerk handed me the bag I saw the sticker. "Opened by Customs". Really? Not sure what set off their curiosity but thankfully the federalies didn't violate the cards. 

Next stop - Spain.

Thanks for reading.


A collector since my early years. Sometimes a collector without focus. If it piques my interest I may collect it.

Comments

  1. FujiMay 11, 2025 at 12:14 PM

    Cool cards. Not every day you see French trading cards. By the way, I just received a package (eBay purchase) from England and customs didn't touch it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mark ZentkovichMay 11, 2025 at 5:32 PM

    👍

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ginko-5May 12, 2025 at 8:32 AM

    Nice grabs. I love seeing some older non-sport cards.

    ReplyDelete

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