[GoldenAge50s]

Dave---

A bit more info as best I can recall, keeping in mind the fact that I still retain today almost ALL of the cards I bought in packs from the '48 thru '56 years:

For some strange reason I have 1951 Red & Blue backs, Topps Team & Connie Mack All-Time AS in my original collection today, but none of the ML All-Stars, but my recollection is that they were available--just not too popular because of the odd size! Maybe I traded mine. I also was able to buy Berk Ross, but I never picked up many of them 'cause I didn't like them! LOL!

Both Bowman & Topps were available in my small town near Buffalo & another small town 80 miles south near the PA border (where my Grandparents lived) in 1951, '52, 53 & beyond--I bought BOTH at several diff types of stores. I also have 1951 RingSide boxing as further proof Topps was available in that area.

BUT, nowhere in that WNY area did I ever see High # Topps, or even Semi-Highs. In the early '80s I used to frequent yard sales all over that area looking for cards & I NEVER picked up any High #'s or ever found any Leaf. I did find some Semi-Highs once but I believe they were imported from somewhere else--maybe nearby Canada.

I also do not ever remember being able to buy any Topps BB from '52 into '53 or any other year. 1953 Topps were plentiful when they came out all the way thru the High Series & end of the season---I still have 2 complete sets & a bunch of dupes from back then.

One more thing on '52 Topps BB: Altho I never saw any High or Semi-High #'s in that area, as soon as the football cards were issued I bought them, both Large & Small 1952 Bowman,and was able to buy all I wanted, and the 1951 Topps Magic FB were available the yr before.

Maybe this will help a bit more!