Just Bought Early Bradman Cards - Any Info on McNiven's Cards?

[CVCC]

Just bought a collection of early cricket cigarette & confectionary cards including full set of 40 McNiven's cards.

After some info on the McNiven's as the edges are not straight and wondering how they were issued and if the storekeepers cut them themselves before giving them out.
First thought was that they may have been trimmed but now not sure. Other examples I've seen of the Bradman don't have top border and some actually have part of the name trimmed.

A lot more in the collection but these were the most interesting.

 

[matoz71]

Gday mate nice cards you got there I have about 28 Ncnivens and am looking to finish the set are you selling any or all of those cards or the Bradmans record cards if so please let me no. The Mcnivens that I have dont have the white strip at the top like some of yours so may have been cut differently but I am no expert by any stretch. I also have a lot of spares of the Hoadley cards if you would like to swap. Regards Mathew.

 

[SJF CRICKET]

McNiven's cards were typically all printed edge to edge without any margin or border on them - you've done very well to find a large group of them as they are quite rare these days, with the Bradman selling for up to A$1000 alone and the others now generally bringing up to A$100/card. A very difficult set to complete so well done on acquiring the entire issue - albeit there are two reverse printing types - 1/2d Toffee Bars & 1/2d Pepsin Chews, so for the ultimate collector of them there are 80 cards to find!