It was 2014 when we made the discovery that the cards formerly known as "Scrapps Tobacco" were actually gum cards, printed in Germany and issued by H.D. Smith & Co. of Cincinnati.  The discovery was the result of a consignment of two attached cards with with "HDS & Co." printed on a small piece of paper attached to them being the clue that set us off on a wild goose chase.  It was, at the time, well-known in the hobby that no such brand as "Scrapps Tobacco" ever existed.  In fact, none other than Rob Lifson, one of the great hobby researchers and scholars, explained that the source of the name was actually an error on his part, while he was helping to edit the 1974 Sports Collectors Bible.  The hobby adopted the moniker, and until 2014, the cards were known as "Scrapps Tobacco."

Sadly, they are still known as "Scrapps Tobacco."  That year, we reported the discovery to the editors of the Standard Catalog and they incorporated it into their next issue.  The last issue of the Standard Catalog to be published, however, was 2017, and we have heard nary a whisper of a new one.  Grading companies have ignored the discovery, as have many sellers and collectors.

For our part, we will call them "H.D. Smith & Co." cards, because that is what they are.  

This is a clean and colorful example featuring Hall of Famer Deacon White, graded PR 1 by SGC due to edge wear and a few tiny tears, including a larger tear at the neck.  Significant paper residue is evident on the reverse, as is some glue remnants, clearly a result of scrapbook removal.  Despite the condition flaws, the card presents extremely well, with a sharp and clean image, one of the very earliest gum cards ever issued.