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Description

1938 Gum Inc. Horrors of War (R69) - Group of 32 Cards - Includes #240 The Frightful Cost of War Graded PSA 8 (OC) .
The 1938 Gum, Inc. Horrors of War (R69) card set is one of the most powerful and controversial non-sport releases of the pre-World War II era. Issued as global tensions escalated, the set uses stark illustrated scenes and blunt captions to depict the brutality, destruction, and human suffering caused by modern warfare. Unlike heroic or patriotic war issues, Horrors of War emphasizes realism and shock, presenting gas attacks, bombings, and civilian casualties in a way designed to educate and warn rather than glorify. Highly regarded today for its historical context, bold messaging, and uncompromising imagery, the set stands as a striking artifact of 1930s social awareness and early non-sport card production.

Offered here are 31 ungraded and 1 graded cards from the release. This lot includes many of the sought after "torture" cards:

Graded Card:
240 The Frightful Cost of War PSA NM-MT 8 (OC) POP 8 with only 1 graded higher

Ungraded Cards:
2, 6, 10, 22 (x2), 28, 57, 69, 88, 99, 123 (x2), 125, 158, 241, 244, 254, 255, 256, 257, 260, 261, 265, 266, 267, 268, 273, 275, 276, 279, and 286.

The ungraded cards exhibit moderate handling wear, including some softened or rounded corners and minor surface wear consistent with age. Some cards show centering variations, but overall image quality remains strong.


Heritage Auctions provides detailed information when available but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements and photographs are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of facts, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Framed artworks are not examined outside their frames, and additional details from Heritage may be unavailable; therefore, the condition of unexamined works is not guaranteed. Heritage is not responsible for damage to frames, glazing, original boxes, display materials, or for works that have shifted within the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" in accordance with our Terms & Conditions of Auction.

Auction Info

Proxy Bidding Ends 
March
19th Thursday 10:00 pm CT
Auction Dates
March
19th Thursday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining 
5 Days 10h 28m 55s
Internet/Mail Bids: 11
Lot Tracking Activity: 29
Page Views: 201

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid (minimum $49) per lot.

This lot is in: 1 - Non-Sports Trading Cards Showcase Extended Bidding Auction Session
(Lots 73001-73191) - 10:00 PM Central Time, Thursday, March 19, 2026.
[Internet bidding closes at 10:00 PM CDT the evening the session begins, with
extended bidding available.]

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Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions - Dallas
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261

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