Vintage Unopened Material

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Posted By: David Yoken

Hi folks,

I am curious about how cards were distributed in the pre-war days.

I just heard about the major find of 52 Topps wax pack boxes in Massachusetts a few years back, and it got me thinking. Was Topps the first company to put cards in wax packs, vending boxes and the like? (The reason I ask this is that the oldest unopened packs I've seen are 51 Topps, and I've seen 50s-era Bowman packs as well.) I've never seen unopened Playballs, Goudeys, etc.

How did the pre-war companies distribute their cards? Obviously the tobacco cards were distributed in tobacco packs, and candy series cards with the various candies, but what about the others? And what is the oldest find of unopened material to date (not including old tobacco packs you see up for auction every once and a while)? Finally, is there some sort of history of baseball card packaging throughout the years?

Thanks for your help with this!
Dave

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Posted By: David Smith

Hello,

I don't know if this is true or not but an old-time collector once told me about a friend of his (another collector) who found 2 unopened boxes of 1933 Goudey's. He said they sat at a kitchen table and opened up the packs like kids opening up Christmas presents.

When they were finished, they sorted the cards into numerical order and then thru the wrappers and boxes away.

This had to be in the 1970's or early 1980's because he said the wrappers and boxes didn't really have any value. I have no idea what cards they found.

Can you imagine the auction prices for these 2 boxes today??


David

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Posted By: Eric

I've seen a 1933 Goudey unopened wax packs before..some still exist.

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Posted By: jay behrens

I've seen unopened packs of many 30s issues including 33 and 34 Goudey, Sports Kings, Delong and Diamond Stars. I have no idea where these packs might be now as the gentleman that owned them in the 80s was already in his 80s and I am sure he has passed away by now.

Jay

Sometimes when I reflect on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams.
If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. I think, "It is better to drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver."-- Babe Ruth