Hi James....sorry for the delay, as I was away all day.
I collected these cards as a kid (Spring thru the Fall of 1949). I don't recall anything of what you are suggesting regarding the 24-count wax-pack
boxes that the 1949 BOWMAN's were in.
Furthermore, the boxes I have seen, since I returned to the hobby in the late 1970's, do NOT have anything like you are suggesting.
Now, what I can tell you is that the 1949 BOWMAN cards were REPRINTED circa 1988. All 240 cards were printed with WHITE backs.
Take a close look (under magnification) at the bottom of the back of your Larry Doby card. Look for the "Reprint" info that may have been erased.
Also, the other clue that indicates to me that this Doby card may be a reprint, is its top and right borders which are too large.
TED Z
T206 Reference
.