The 1936 R312 "Pastel" issue is called such due to the pastel coloration of the cards. The absolutely beautiful premiums are actually black and white photosthat were colorized. Printed on thin but oversized ( 5 3/8" x 4") paper stock the set is loaded with stars and Hall of Famers containing 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 large size of the cards coupled with the thin stock on which they were printed make them susceptible to damage and condition issues. This near-complete set is missing just four cards: John Thomas Allen Nick Altrock/Al Schaft Joe DiMaggio and Gabby Hartnett/Lon Warneke. A condition breakdown would be 14% VG/EX 20% VG 17% GOOD 34% FAIR and 14% POOR. While the technical grade of the cards are lower the eye appeal is generally strong: many of the cards are have their technical grades reduced by small bits of paper remnants on the reverse typically just one small black piece of construction paper. While others do have more pronounced condition issues the bulk appear stronger than the assigned grade. An outstanding collector-grade near-set loaded with Hall of Famers. 46 cards total.