Legendary March 2010
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
3/2/2010
This fascinating piece is the only known example of its type. The life expectancy of a drink coaster – such as this item, printed on absorbent paper and featuring the portrait of Jackie Robinson – isn’t very long under the best of circumstances. Virtually all are destroyed in standard usage, and subsequent versions carry advertising for new sponsors and different products. This collectible’s subject product, though, begs a question unrelated to mere survival: why would Bond seek to promote awareness of its brand in bars? (A hearty loaf of bread isn’t the first thing one thinks of as an appetizer while indulging in a relaxing quaff of beer or liquor.) And one doesn’t usually find coasters used in diners (where saucers are the norm), or in the casual atmosphere at home. Maybe just a couple of these coasters were printed in the first place, a theory that adds credence to this one’s demonstrable rarity. The piece measures about 3-13/16” in diameter. NM condition. A one-of-a-kind, highly unusual item from Jackie Robinson's historic first year in the majors!
Please Note: With respect to this offering, we'd like to emphasize that the piece is the only example of its kind known to exist, and that its manner of presentation does conform to a NM standard. It should be mentioned, however, that several spots on its periphery (in particular, a speck beside the second "o" in "Homogenized," a trace line at the extreme left edge, and a small point just above the "J" in Robinson's first name) appear to have been reinforced or improved by professional restoration. These details are visible only under close scrutiny aided by magnification.
Unique 1947 Jackie Robinson Bond Bread Coaster
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