Topps Test Stores?

[Brent G.]

In searching for a non-sports Topps test card from the ‘70s, I was told the cards were sold at “Topps test stores,” as in plural.

Does anyone know if these were a thing, where were they located, and how long they operated?

[Balticfox]

I believe that they meant the mom-and-pop convenience stores in which Topps commonly placed test issues.

[Brent G.]

That certainly would make more sense — thank you. Does any evidence exist of how these were chosen?

[jingram058]

I was told the 71 Topps Greatest Moments cards were sold only in the New York area. But lately there are those who state Chicagoland also.

What about the dice game cards, of which I have only even seen a few. The year was 1961? Is that right? Were they limited to any certain area? Did they really even make it into packs, or did they leak out of Topps?

[steve B]

Supposedly the 74 deckles were in white hen pantry stores at least in Arlington Mass which was just across a rail line from their headquarters.

That was 3 years before I moved there and was told o me by the local shop.

Supposedly it was part of Topps slowing testing, since whatever was there got bought the day it was released, making the test sort of useless.

[ALR-bishop]

The 61 Dice were not released, and were more likely from 63 as per Dave Hornish's great Topps Blog. I only have one. Other unissued Topps test items include 55 Stamps, 66 Punch Outs and 70 Rookie Artists Proofs. I do not think the 71 Greatest Moments were released in packs but I do have a wrapper



https://www.thetoppsarchives.com/sea...%20Dice%20Game

[obcbobd]

Originally Posted by steve B

Supposedly the 74 deckles were in white hen pantry stores at least in Arlington Mass which was just across a rail line from their headquarters.

That was 3 years before I moved there and was told o me by the local shop.

Supposedly it was part of Topps slowing testing, since whatever was there got bought the day it was released, making the test sort of useless.

I grew up in Arlington Mass and was 12 in 1974. Had a lot of friends who collected. Never saw a 74 Deckle. There was a White Hen on Summer St by the rail road tracks, but I don't think White Hens headquarters was anywhere near there

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by Balticfox

I believe that they meant the mom-and-pop convenience stores in which Topps commonly placed test issues.

I believe this is correct. I discussed this issue with Len Brown one of the early Topps employees (post 1959 era) and he said they had select stores not owned by Topps where they distributed test product to see how well they sold

[ALR-bishop]

An example of a Topps 85 mini and it's corresponding base set card

[ALR-bishop]

Not sure if above numbers on sheets is a accurate or not. I have completed the set in regular backs ( green and red ) and in blank back ( blank backs can be brown or white, brown being much scarcer). I have 51 cards in red back only. Best guess is only one or two sheets of them survived

The Ryan and Schmidt are ussually the priciest of them, but some are very condition sensitive

[Brent G.]

Fascinating stuff. Interesting that they made them barely smaller than the regular issue, unlike '75.

[Lucas00]

I think the 68 3d test issue was released mainly in NYC candy shops near topps HQ (Brooklyn Mainly I think it was?)

So maybe the same, just a random idea.

[Balticfox]

I really wish this set had made it beyond the test stage!

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

As much as I like them, cloth stickers seemed like a really strange idea.

Kind of amazed Topps didn't run with the 3D idea, though, considering the big success Kellogg's had with them. Out of curiosity, did Topps manufacture the Kellogg's cards, and if so, I wonder if they opted against doing so themselves as a result?

[GasHouseGang]

I remember I had read in SCD that the 1981 Topps Scratchoffs were being test marketed at some 7-11's. So when I found some I bought entire boxes. I was sure I was going to be rich. But those seemed to be everywhere and were never in demand. Does anyone know if these were actually only test marketed, or were they sold across the country? PSA's website doesn't say anything about them only being a test marketed issue.

[ALR-bishop]

From the great Dave Hornish Topps Blog

https://www.thetoppsarchives.com/sea...Scratch%20Offs

[ALR-bishop]

In earlier years you could sometimes identify limited test issues by the white wrapper with sticker attachments. Not sure aboout the 80s. I know the 89 test Topps Yankee/Mets Double Header proofs came in clear wapping as opposed to the regular colored issues

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

As much as I like them, cloth stickers seemed like a really strange idea.

Kind of amazed Topps didn't run with the 3D idea, though, considering the big success Kellogg's had with them. Out of curiosity, did Topps manufacture the Kellogg's cards, and if so, I wonder if they opted against doing so themselves as a result?

The 68 Topps and the Kellogg's were both produced at the same plant in DFW. Just a note