Chesterfield baseball cards are among the most iconic and valuable sets in the history of the sport. Issued between 1933-1939 by the Chesterfield cigarette company, the cards featured some of the biggest stars of the era and became hugely popular with collectors. Even today, over 80 years later, Chesterfield cards continue to attract attention from fans and generate high prices at auction.
The cards were inserted in packs of Chesterfield cigarettes as a promotional item. This was a common marketing tactic during the early 20th century when baseball was America’s pastime and tobacco companies sought innovative ways to reach customers. The cards measured approximately 2.5 x 3 inches and featured vivid color portraits of players on the front with stats or biographical information on the back.
Some of the biggest names to appear on Chesterfield cards included Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, and Dizzy Dean. The 1933 set is particularly coveted as it was the first year of issue and included rookie cards for stars like Foxx. Subsequent years saw the debut Chesterfield cards of other Hall of Famers like Joe DiMaggio in 1937. The cards helped popularize baseball across the country while also serving as affordable collectibles for fans of all ages.
In mint condition, especially for the early 1930s issues, top Chesterfield cards can fetch six figures at auction today. A 1933 Babe Ruth in a PSA Gem Mint 10 grade sold for over $5 million in 2016. Even well-centered cards in lower grades still command thousands due to their iconic designs, historical significance, and the fact they captured legends of the sport in their playing prime. Condition is absolutely critical to value, so collectors must take great care in handling and storing their cherished Chesterfield holdings.
When it comes to properly displaying a collection of these prized cards, framing is highly recommended. Not only does it protect the cardboard from harm due to exposure to light and environmental factors, but it also beautifully showcases them for appreciation. There are a few different framing options collectors can consider based on budget and desired presentation:
Acid-free card savers: Inexpensive plastic pages with openings for individual cards. Provides basic protection while allowing for easy viewing. Best suited for lower-grade examples.
Custom baseball card frames: Slightly more expensive but allows for an elegant display. Professionals can matte and frame cards individually or in groupings themed by player, year, team, etc. Glass helps prevent damage from handling.
Baseball card frame sets: Pre-made frames designed specifically for cards that slide neatly into plastic sleeves or slots. Affordable multi-card displays that don’t require matte/glass. Less customizable than custom framing.
Museum-quality display cases: The premium choice for truly valuable key cards, especially high-grade examples. Cases are made of acid-free materials, have UV-protective glass, and precise climate control to preserve condition. Installed professionally in a home or office.
No matter the selected framing method, care must be taken to use only archival materials approved for long-term storage of collectibles like baseball cards. Acidic tapes, papers, plastics can potentially harm cards over time. It’s also wise to display framed items away from direct sunlight that can cause fading. With the proper presentation, fans can enjoy their cherished Chesterfield holdings for generations to come.
The classic Chesterfield baseball card sets from the 1930s perfectly captured the golden era of the sport through their vivid portraits and inclusion of the period’s biggest stars. Even eight decades later, they remain some of the most coveted and valuable issues for collectors worldwide. With care taken in both handling and display, these iconic cardboard relics can be appreciated for years to come through various framing options suited to collections of all sizes. Chesterfield cards will always have an honored place in the history of baseball memorabilia.
