Presented is a very scarce midgrade complete set of R312 "Pastels," called such due to the pastel coloration of the cards.  These absolutely beautiful premiums are actually black and white photos that were color tinted.  Likely produced by National Chicle, the cards were printed on thin, oversized (5 3/8" x 4") stock, the set loaded with stars and Hall of Famers, including what many feel to be the true rookie card of Joe DiMaggio.  These striking and whimsical cards feature players in a multitude of circumstances: posed for the camera in action, or hamming it up with others - the result is a memorable glimpse at the lighter side of baseball in its golden days. 

The cards, due to their large nature and thin stock, are typically susceptible to a variety of condition flaws and are easily damaged.  They are also difficult to grade, as the grading companies often downgrade these cards for nearly imperceptible flaws.  This is a tremendously appealing set, the majority of the cards presenting extremely well, with attractive, well-centered and crisp images.  Still, PSA has graded 14 of the key cards, all of which fall in the midgrade range, despite their eye appeal.  The graded cards are as follows: PSA EX 5 (1 card): Mize.  PSA VG-EX+ 4.5 (3 cards): Hartnett/Warneke, Lombardi, Ruffing.  PSA VG-EX 4 (3 cards): Cuyler, Dickey, Sothoron/Hornsby. PSA VG+ 3.5 (2 cards): Stengel, Vaughan/Wagner. PSA VG 3 (2 cards): Cochrane, Greenberg. PSA GOOD+ 2.5 (1 card): Hornsby. PSA GOOD 2 (1 card): DiMaggio.  Additional keys grade as follows: Foxx VG/EX; Mack/Grove: VG/EX, Taylor/Speaker/Cuyler VG/EX, and Waner Bros. G.  A complete condition breakdown of the set is as follows: 6% EX, 35% VG/EX, 38% VG, and 21% GOOD.  While the technical grade of the cards is in the midgrade range, the eye appeal is considerably stronger, the bulk of the flaws related simply to mild corner wear.  An outstanding example of a scarce set, loaded with Hall of Famers, and the rookie card of Joe DiMaggio.  50 cards total.