The set of 5 1/4" square flannels we call "B18 Blankets" today is an underrated but fascinating tobacco issue. Often sewn together to form quilts or throws (hence our use of the term "blankets,") they were initially distributed wrapped around popular tobacco brands.  The player selection was outstanding, missing Honus Wagner of course but including Shoeless Joe Jackson, Ty Cobb, and most other superstars of the day.  To add complexity to collecting the issue, the blankets were issued in various formats, with variations in the colors of the infields, base paths and pennants.  Many of the variations are scarce and valuable, making the accumulation of a complete set extremely difficult.

Offered here is the closest to a complete master set as we have ever encountered; 176 of 201 possible blankets are included here, with a complete basic set (at least one of every possible subject) included.  Though the set is largely VG to VG/EX in condition, there are examples that exhibit staining, fraying, and a few that have some significant color fading, as are typically found with cloth pieces of this vintage. 

The set is nearly complete, missing only the following: Del Baker (brown infield), Paddy Bauman (red infield), Toga George Burns (red infield), Marty Cavanaugh (red infield), Marty Cavanaugh, Frank Chance (yellow pennants, blue infield), Ray Chapman (yellow pennants), Ty Cobb (red infield), Harry Coveleski (red infield), Ray Emmitt (red infield), Hank Gowdy (red infield), Tommy Griffith (white infield, red pennants), Tommy Griffith (red infield), Ham Hyatt (red pennants), Bill James (red infield), Les Mann (red infield), Bill McAllister (red base paths), George Moriarty (red infield), Steve O'Neill (red pennants), Hub Purdue (red infield), Lefty Tyler (red infield), and Bert Whaling (red infield).  An outstanding collection, a nearly complete master set from the tough B18 Blankets issue. 176 blankets total.