Original artwork for the 1953 Topps set has been known for some time but rarely are these offered anymore. The majority hailed from legendary Topps executive Sy Berger's basement and were auctioned about twelve years ago.  Well over half the subjects are known in their original form, including several phantoms.  They are stunning little works, painted with gouache on artboard, about 50% larger in size than the cards proper.  This Vinegar Bend Mizell is a particularly nice example, with mischief in his eyes on this finely rendered portrait and possessing rich color and detail.  A hint of rubber cement residue remains on his nose, a small casualty of the production process in 1953. The reverse is typical, with adhesive remnants prominent along with a red crayoned "N" and and grease-penciled ID of the player, both seemingly written there by Woody Gelman, who was front and center in bringing in artwork for the set. One of a kind!