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Published in Philadelphia in 1939, the series illustrates the military aircraft, warships, tanks, artillery, fortifications, and weapons of nations preparing for the approaching world war.
The cards feature full-color illustrations on the fronts and detailed historical and technical descriptions on the backs, accompanied by the question: “Can America Maintain Peace with THE WORLD IN ARMS?”
COMPLETE 48-CARD SET:
- Airplanes: 1–16 (16 cards)
- Ships: 1–12 (12 cards)
- Iron Cavalry: 1–4 (4 cards)
- Field Artillery: 1–4 (4 cards)
- Fortifications: 1–4 (4 cards)
- Miscellaneous: 1–8 (8 cards)
Notable subjects include the American Flying Fortress, German Junkers bombers, USS Indianapolis, Japanese aircraft carrier Akagi, German submarines, Maginot Line, Italian flame-throwing tanks, Russian paratroopers, and the Garand rifle.
A fascinating contemporary record of international military technology and public awareness immediately before World War II.
All 48 different cards are present. No duplicates are included in this listing.
Condition
Mixed condition, with generally attractive original color and varying degrees of age and handling wear. Corner and edge wear, creasing, toning, occasional staining, and surface marks throughout.
Several cards have more substantial defects, including significant vertical tears to Fortifications No. 1 and Field Artillery No. 1, a pronounced crease to Iron Cavalry No. 3, and handwritten names on the reverses of Airplanes No. 3 and Miscellaneous No. 8.
Complete and ungraded. Please examine all photographs carefully for individual card condition.
1939 Gum Inc World in Arms R173 complete set, vintage military trading cards, prewar non-sports cards, WWII collectibles, World War II aviation, military aircraft, battleships, warships, USS Indianapolis, Japanese Akagi aircraft carrier, Flying Fortress, military history, vintage gum cards, 1930s trading cards, tanks, artillery, fortifications, war memorabilia.
