1948-1966 Exhibit Supply Co. Hall of Fame Walter Johnson
Walter Johnson · Exhibit Supply Co. (ESCO) · Exhibit / Postcard-Size Legend Card
Player
Walter Johnson
Set
Exhibit Hall of Fame (various years)
Year
1948
Card #
N/A
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) to PSA 4 (VG-EX) equivalent. Centering is decent but top-heavy; corners show rounding and softening; edges have minor chipping; surface lacks major creasing but shows typical age-related toning.
Category
Exhibit / Postcard-Size Legend Card
Manufacturer
Exhibit Supply Co. (ESCO)
Demand Level
Moderate. Walter Johnson is a premier Hall of Famer, but the lengthy production run of Exhibit cards (1948-1966) makes this specific issue less scarce than his playing-era cards.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$25.00 - $45.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $40-60, PSA 4: $75-100, PSA 5: $150-180
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales for mid-grade Hall of Fame Exhibits like Walter Johnson consistently fluctuate between $30 and $55. PSA 4 examples have recently sold in the $80 range. Newer reprints are common but usually have much whiter, thinner card stock.
Description
A classic oversized (approx. 3-3/8 by 5-3/8 inches) Exhibit card featuring legendary pitcher 'Big Train' Walter Johnson. The card features a black and white/sepia-toned photo of Johnson in his Washington Senators uniform, flanked by Greek-style columns. The top reads 'BASEBALL'S GREAT HALL OF FAME' and the bottom contains a concise biography of his pitching record, including his 414 wins and 113 shutouts. This specific version includes the 'AN EXHIBIT CARD' and 'MADE IN U.S.A.' text marking.
Key Features
Hall of Fame subject, legendary 'Big Train' Walter Johnson, iconic Exhibit Supply Co. design, career statistical summary on front, durable heavy card stock.
Authenticity Indicators
Proper heavy card stock thickness common to arcade-dispensed Exhibit cards; correct distinct typography in the bio section; no dot-matrix patterns typical of modern reprints. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Soft corners with visible wear, slight top-to-bottom centering bias, general yellowing/toning of the white borders due to age, minor surface soiling, edge roughness.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this card to reach HOF collectors. Also suitable for specialized vintage sports card Facebook groups or vintage-specific auction houses if part of a larger collection.
Selling Tips
Do not grade unless you expect a PSA 6 or higher, as the grading fees will likely exceed the value jump for lower grades. Market it as 'Vintage Walter Johnson Exhibit' and highlight the 414 wins mentioned in the text. Use a large postcard-sized top loader for shipping to prevent bending.