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BASKET-BALL SCHOOL CARD (MAKER UNKNOWN) (FRANCE)
I have seen this card listed as a Café Gilberts release from the late 1940s, although I’ve been told that this is likely incorrect from serious French collectors. I have examples of similar looking cards, that use a comparable font and design, featuring animals in a printer’s representative binder (sample catalog), that are labeled No. 2229 Animaux Couleurs and most likely produced by Bauvin Paris. These cards were released in multiple sets and albums and were distributed at French schools as a reward for good grades. The animal series was released around 1930, but I believe this particular sports set is from the late 1930s. My opinion is the illustration on the basketball card was replicated from the same photograph used on a late 1930s Chocolat Saintoin basketball card, a photo which has been confirmed is from a game in early 1938. The comparison of the two images here shows the subjects with the same features and in the exact same positions. I estimate that this card was a 1938-40 release, before the war broke out in France (May 1940) and that it was most likely a school card issue. There is a possibility that this was released closer to 1950, when the French began issuing cards and albums again (after the war), but it doesn’t seem to resemble any other cards released during that period and it would be unusual to use a font, design, and image from 15-20 years prior. Measurements: 2.25" x 3.00"
late 1930s
