1954 -1955 - 1956 Hocus Focus

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Posted By: BobbyB.Hockey

Hey Guys,
Just jumping in from the hockey boards as I am trying to figure out which is the correct year for this issue.

Some say 1955 for the baseball, some have said it was all released in 1954, then again it is defined as 1956 hocus focus.

Anyone out there got the skinny on this one or is it just all 3 year it was issued over?

Oh, if you have any questions about Canadian Baseball issues pre-war, I might be able to help. I have writen two hockey price guides. Helped with the Maple Crispette new date classification, etc...

Thanks,
Bobby

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Posted By: Leon

Welcome to our board. Mostly we talk about pre-WWII vintage baseball cards but 1950's isn't too far fetched. Hopefully someone can help you on here.... I suggest you read the forum rules to help you understand more about our quaint little community and the general policies we have.....take care

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Posted By: Dave Hornish

..e-mail me. I have some info on Hocus Focus for you.

Dave

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Posted By: VirginCeaser

BOBBY B...

I'd sure like to here some of your thoughts on the Maple Crispette new date classification... do you and Eric have "concrete proof" that the set was really made in 1925???


Yes, I read Eric article and I'm still not convinced, it seem like a Gray area to me!

As far as I'm concerned the set is from 1923, and always has been.

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Posted By: Jimmy

most that collect the hockey have stated the cards are from 1954-55 instead of just one year - goes by season most of the time for vintage hockey cards

Jimmy

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Posted By: Paul

I believe there are two distinct Hocus Focus baseball sets, in slightly different sizes. The Standard Catalog lists them as being issued in separate years but I can't confirm the accuracy of the years listed.

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Posted By: Bobby B

Regarding virginceaser post about the maple crispette.
I originally contact Eric about date and help him with information to do an article. I found the original ads while reasearching, which unfortunately none confirm the insertion of the cards in the packaging. However, most companies wouldn't advertise the cards on the packaging but mostly as in-store advertisement, so there is no hard copy of this being 1925.

But looking at the hockey which is 1924-25 for sure, the baseball backs most certainly follow the hockey card backs.

I have changed many dates in the hockey and I would say its pretty conclusive with the write-up.

I guess the true question is to give me any piece of proof it would be from 1923, lots have been given for the date change and none for the 1923 date.

I have learned from many years in this hobby that change is not easy to come by, especially if it involves collectors who posess rookie cards that may change and certainly the older date is always more attractive.

I have posted may article on the history of O-Pee-Chee Company and Parkhurst Company on the non-sports and hockey boards. This sharing of information makes for a healthier collecting field for us all and I am sure it goes the same for the Baseball Forum as well!

Jimmy- Yes, with hockey we incorporate two years in each classification, the only grey area would be if something was issued in the summer months, at that point I have only allocated one year.

Thank you all for responding my out of range topic.

Bobby

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Posted By: BobbyBHockey

Interesting how O-Pee-Chee and Maple Crispette offered the same product.

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Posted By: Brad

Bobby,

Is it possable O-Pee-Chee bought out Maple Crispette at sometime and if so when did this take place?

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Posted By: BobbyBHockey

That is a great question as many companies in the late 20's and earlier 30's bought out thier competition. I will be doing so more research work over the summer, maybe I will find this out.

Here are a few of the Canadian Companies that got bought out in this time frame.

Lowney's bought out Cowan Chocolate in 1926.

Ernest G. Robinson bought out Patterson's Chocolates Toronto (not to be confused with William Paterson chocolate of Brantford)....
(Funny: Ernest G. Robinson who started working for Neilson's in 1907 and left in 1912 to start Willard's Chocolate in 1913)

Dominion Chocolate went bankrupt in 1930 and their equipment was sold off. Seemed like they owed some back taxes.

Just some interesting stuff that happened in the great white north.