1952 Topps

[autograf]

I think Cy Berger of Topps fame was the one who said that and if he did, it's probably true. I know they're a pain in the butt to pick up. I'm up to 43 of the 97 now. And no Mantle. Powerball's up above $100M tomorrow night, so guess I'd better get out and get my ticket.

I'm up to about 80 autographed now after adding Kretlow, Snider, Irvin and Ashburn from National purchases.

Love some 1952 Topps. A beautiful set........64 years old, so any survivors have to be mid-80's at least. Like the greatest generation, they're dropping fast.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by autograf

I think Cy Berger of Topps fame was the one who said that and if he did, it's probably true. I know they're a pain in the butt to pick up. I'm up to 43 of the 97 now. And no Mantle. Powerball's up above $100M tomorrow night, so guess I'd better get out and get my ticket.

I'm up to about 80 autographed now after adding Kretlow, Snider, Irvin and Ashburn from National purchases.

Love some 1952 Topps. A beautiful set........64 years old, so any survivors have to be mid-80's at least. Like the greatest generation, they're dropping fast.

Been looking for high numbers for a short while. They don't come cheaply and aren't abundant, that is for sure.....

[ALR-bishop]

Sorry, pulled a Bob here

[ALR-bishop]

I think Berger started that rumor to cover the fact he was inserting the leftovers in Christmas rack packs

I do not think that hobby legend has ever been fully substantiated, but think Berger did encourage it. I think it is just as logical that not nearly as many high number sheets were produced in the later portions of that summer. Good thing the Mantle was a DP

The high numbers are easier to find and cheaper than the gray back "Canadians" at this point

[Republicaninmass]

Just like the gray backs, so,e highs are more easily found than others. I've been trying to find new signed examples when I can, but it's become increasing difficult. If I find more than one every few months I'm ecstatic

[Exhibitman]

Well considering that the set was issued only 7 years after the war and the men on it were adults at the time, not surprising they are dying off. They are mostly in their 80s or 90s by now.

As for the set itself, it will always be a fave. and not for the Mantle, which I've never owned and likely never will. My first old card was a 1952 Topps Dropo (still have it). I got this one signed decades ago and still have it:

[ALR-bishop]

The Feller is listed by many, including the H&S superset, as a card with a variation. The difference is said to involve the fact some cards have clearly visible slats while others have virtually no slats

[toppcat]

I've been on record regarding the highs and don't buy the garbage scow story for a second. If the cards were, in fact, destroyed, they most likely were tossed in the furnace at Bush Terminal as Topps would not have spent the money if they could have just lit them up. I realize they had access to a dock at the facility but Bush Terminal had its own trash and garbage disposal facility as it was essentially a self-contained industrial facility (originally a self contained military facility).

My belief is they printed the highs in the same or slightly lesser quantities as the semi-highs and then slowly sold off excess product and returns in other countries before the remainder went off to Card Collectors Company in the mid to late 50's. CCC in their March 1968 catalog still had complete high number runs for $90 and sold singles for a buck when first series cards went for 20 cents and semi highs for .15. Regular cards were 12 cents otherwise. Personally, I'd say Topps was on a commission basis with CCC and it was in their interest to keep the high number market inflated. Just a theory but I don't believe the garbage scow story and Sy Berger told a lot of whoppers about Topps over the years.

It's interesting to me that the highs on the PSA pop report only seem to be about 25% scarcer than the semi-highs. I doubt the ratio is that exact but the semi's and the highs are not all that far apart in terms of availability. Let's face it, the highs are not that scarce.

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

I think Berger started that rumor to cover the fact he was inserting the leftovers in Christmas rack packs

I do not think that hobby legend has ever been fully substantiated, but think Berger did encourage it. I think it is just as logical that not nearly as many high number sheets were produced in the later portions of that summer. Good thing the Mantle was a DP

The high numbers are easier to find and cheaper than the gray back "Canadians" at this point

I believe in the original SCD article on the 52 Topps set, which had an interview with Berger he did substantiate that that story was true....regarding a barge full of 52 Topps high numbers being dumped into the ocean off of NJ. As is suggested I wouldn't put it past him to have used that story....if it is true or not....to promote the set.

I am traveling, but I saved a copy of that article.