1970 Topps Willie Mays proof card mystery - help!

[hcv123]

So I have this 1970 Willie Mays proof card. The paper stock to me looks clearly different from Topps - I've scanned a 1970 topps card next to it. Thoughts? Theories? Thanks.

[packs]

The 1970 set was reprinted at least once (I know because I somehow managed to purchase a reprinted Munson rookie). The Mays could be a reprint.

[Harliduck]

Clearly looks short and also looks hand cut.

I have no idea, but looks cool...

[savedfrommyspokes]

I have two similar cards, however, they are from a mid series. They are both just slightly short t/b, but measure up l/r. The card stock seem slightly thinner than a regular issue card. I have always assumed that these two cards were some sort of pre-production proof due to the thinner card stock. The red line is not on the card backs, but due to my scanner.

[NATCARD]

They all look like proof cards which were blank backed. A lot of them were hand cut as they were taken out the back door and cut up. Jeff W

[hcv123]

Larry: It looks like the backs of yours match up with the back of the Mays - all of which appear different than the issued cards.

Jeff (or anyone else with the expertise) - If you know would proofs have been printed on different paper stock than the final production - could it have been a test of paper stock?

Thanks all.

Howard

[toppcat]

Topps did a 1970 cloth stock test so would not put it past them to do a paper one too at the same time. If so I would expect the cards to all be from the same sheet. I;ve never seen reference to it but they did a lot of stuff no one notices (until someone does) back then.