1952 Topps #131-190 Gray Backs

[toppcat]

I would hazard a guess they were subcontracted (much like 2nd series 10 years later that resulted in green prints) due to demand for the second series; likely to a printer in upstate NY. Some probably made it across to Canada due to the location of the plant, hence the belief they were sold there.

Where have pockets of these been found? I would posit the possibility of distribution around the Great Lakes but all this is merely educated guesswork, although I think they could resemble how the high numbers were sold as well, outside of Philly, Boston and New York. I can't see these being distributed beyond a small region.

I believe Topps used their old leaf tobacco distribution network for decades after the Shorin's stopped selling that product, so whatever those routes were some of their card distribution mirrors.