Curious if anyone knows anything about this item
 

I have a Topps merchandise certificate that is my understanding was placed in boxes of Topps products apparently during the war years. This certificate was redeemable by the retailer for the products listed on the back. My question is has anyone ever seen one of these and if so....any idea on value? I have had this item for at least 20 years and have always wondered about it. I am just curious if anyone has any thoughts on this item.

The 1st scan has a sportscard in the scan to give a idea of size

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...pscert1001.jpg


Back of certificate

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...pscert2001.jpg

Obviously, it predates baseball cards, and was just in gum, but Ive never seen that either anywhere. Its an awesome item IMO too, and I'm curious too what some of the experts have to say.

Hi-
You might want to post this on the Nonsports forum (link above) as Jeff S who posts on there has an extensive knowledge of early (precard) Topps products. Dave Hornish (not sure if I spelled that right) might be another good source. He has a blog on Topps and he posts frequently on the Postwar forum and the Nonsports forum. I too think it is a cool piece.
Yours in collecting,
Alan Elefson
aelefson@hotmail.com