Preliminary identification

Whitman 'Snap' Card Game, No. 4111 (Tiger Edition)

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic mid-century children's card game featuring a vibrant, hand-illustrated tiger on the box cover. This 45-card deck was designed for fast-paced matching play and features the iconic red diamond-patterned card backs with the oval Whitman logo.

Story

In the 1950s, this tiger wasn't just a mascot; he was an invitation to the 'fastest game in the house.' Whitman transformed simple matching into a high-stakes race for kids, where shouting 'Snap!' was the ultimate victory. This specific 'Tiger Box' edition is a nostalgic touchstone of the golden age of American family game nights.

Maker / Origin

Whitman Publishing was a powerhouse of childhood imagination, famous for their 'Big Little Books' and the ubiquitous blue coin-collecting folders. Based in Racine, Wisconsin, they specialized in making art and games accessible to every American household through affordable, beautifully illustrated lithography.

Condition & Value

The box shows typical shelf wear and some softening of the corners, but the graphics remain bright. The card backs appear clean with consistent color, though the presence of all 44 animal cards plus the instruction card is vital for the higher end of the range. The slight crushing on the box side reduces value by about 20%.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD