Hobby supplies history

[Steve D]

I hated those screwdowns with the black cardboard insert and plastic screws!

You had to be exceptionally careful when putting a card in the holder or taking one out, since the cut-out in the insert was too often a bit on the small side.

My parents bought me a Pete Rose rookie card for Christmas in 1984 (my last Christmas before going into the US Air Force in January 1985), and it was in one of those holders. When I tried to take the card out of the holder, it was wedged into the insert so tightly, it couldn't be removed without damaging the corners.

I had also bought several of the holders to put some of my cards in, and could not get a lot of the cards in the holders due to the too-small openings.

Also, the screws could not always be tightened completely, and could be easily stripped, causing the holder to remain loose.

Steve

[bh3443]

Originally Posted by Steve D

I hated those screwdowns with the black cardboard insert and plastic screws!

You had to be exceptionally careful when putting a card in the holder or taking one out, since the cut-out in the insert was too often a bit on the small side.

My parents bought me a Pete Rose rookie card for Christmas in 1984 (my last Christmas before going into the US Air Force in January 1985), and it was in one of those holders. When I tried to take the card out of the holder, it was wedged into the insert so tightly, it couldn't be removed without damaging the corners.

I had also bought several of the holders to put some of my cards in, and could not get a lot of the cards in the holders due to the too-small openings.

Also, the screws could not always be tightened completely, and could be easily stripped, causing the holder to remain loose.

Steve

Hi Steve ,
When the crew of guys were making these screw downs, there were some problems that were short and long term and some horrible results!

First off, at one point I had to buy a box of extra screws because of what you said: they strip easy and don't always line up right!

Secondly, I had a good friend who was a huge Dave Winfield fan and collector. He worked for me in the store and he accumulated well over 50 Winfield Rookies back in the 80's when they were a hot hot card. Well, my friend Dave put them ALL in those screw downs. When he left for college out in UCLA, he sold me his collection. I was happy to have 50+ Winfield Rookies as they were really selling well. So, I displayed them and within minutes a customer bought one and asked me for a screw driver to free the card and look at this gem mint beauty. To my horror (and his), once un-screwing the holder, the card was stuck to the front piece and it would not budge. After an hour or so, we decided that I'd refund him and remove the card and then sell it to him once freed!
Well, the card came off the screw down, but all 4 corners remained on the screw down, and it became apparent that every one of the 50+ Winfield cards were now part card and part screw down! After removing and destroying 4-5 of them, I had to do something, so I sold them "as is" for $ 5 a card and explained why to the buyers.
Why did this happen? I'm not exactly sure, but we found out that the maker of the holders was using basically any type of plexi-glass, lucite or whatever clear scrap junk the hardware store would sell him!
This fiasco helped launch a big investigation into the supply industry and guys on here like Frank Barning and many of us that read SCD/BHN will recall the "IS PVC BAD FOR CARDS" issue that put fear in the hearts of many collectors and dealers.

I knew when Steve B started this thread that I'd have some interesting input, and once again, thanks Steve for this fun thread!

In closing, I hope we never have issues like the screw downs with all those PSA/BECKETT/SGC holders! Now that would be a nightmare!

Regards,
Bill Hedin

[steve B]

Fascinating stuff.

My one T3 is in a screwdown I made myself from hardware store plastic. So far it's held up fine. The card was pretty well trashed when I bought it.

Oddly, some cards I had in larger screwdowns came out ok, despite the plastic showing some weird damage. The holders look almost melted, but haven't been around any heat.

I remember the Baldwin sheets. And I think the MVP sheets too. As well as the othe early PVC sheets, that I've got a bunch of. They never damaged my cards, but they did stick together after a while.

Interesting that it was a regional thing. I always just assumed the sheets were sold nationally.

I had some doubts about the grading holders, and still do. But they've got a few years into it without the problems I'd expected so they're probably ok.

Keep it coming guys, to me this is a fascinating look at an aspect of the hobby that hardly ever gets a mention.

Steve B

[bh3443]

Hi Steve,
Like I said, you started a really great thread!
I'm due to call my pal Bob Thing and with this topic hot, I'll be calling him later this evening.
I have a dozen questions ready for Bob's input already. Including the pre- Rotman/RW Baldwin details.
I recall a dealer at the 1979 Detroit show who had one of the logo binders full of sheets that specifically fit standard T cards and I recall this collector telling and showing me that not every T card ( E and N as well as other cards)fit in the sheets.

I've begun wondering about card storage/display prior to plastic sheets. I remember some old-timers in the 70's who used a basic mounting system with scrap books and corner hinges. I always felt that method would be problematic as far as the corners and fading issues.

Steve, I think I still have a box of the MVP "Patriotic" test sheets which came 99 in a box with 33 red/white/vlue tinted sheets!

I'll dig up some answers from our friend Bob in Maine and I'll share the details tonight! Should you have any particular questions to relay to Bob, email me at: bh3443@aol.com. It will be my pleasure to help in any way.

Regards,
Bill Hedin

[toppcat]

Some of those old screwdowns were not safe for the cards-I lost a bunch of nice 75 Topps Minis to them back in the day, LOL.

Anyone have the 9 pocket sheets that yellow and brown but amazingly do not affect the cards?

[GasHouseGang]

When you started off on this hobby supplies discussion, the first item I can remember storing cards in was a "baseball card locker" that was available at one of the local stores. Here's a picture of what I'm talking about. These were available in the 1960's and into the 1970's. I have one that includes the Pilots, so it has to be from 1969.

[steve B]

Those cases are really nice! Topps had them as a premium for a couple years, I think the red and green ones. I have those but in pretty beat condition.

I've never seen the blue one.

There was a similar case in the late 70's. Notebookish construction, with a plastic insert.

I haven't seen the pages that turn brown.

Steve B