When did the true "series" concept begin

[toppcat]

1933 Goudey comes to mind as a possibility, but the idea that postwar cards from earlier series were not included with those from later ones is only partially true, it depended on various factors at Topps and Bowman, to name the two biggest manufacturers.

[Sterling Sports Auctions]

Wouldn't OJs and T206s be considered distributed in series, granted over a few years?

Or was the question asked for sets distributed in a single year?

[rats60]

Wouldn't it be 1956? Wasn't 1955 skip numbered? Plus there are 4 high numbers that were never issued. 1933 Goudey was issued in series, but they were definitely skip numbered.

1956 had 1-100 in the 1st series, 101-180 in the 2nd, 181-260 in the 3rd and 261-340 in the 4th. From 1957-1973, Topps followed this same pattern.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by rats60

Wouldn't it be 1956? Wasn't 1955 skip numbered? Plus there are 4 high numbers that were never issued. 1933 Goudey was issued in series, but they were definitely skip numbered.

1956 had 1-100 in the 1st series, 101-180 in the 2nd, 181-260 in the 3rd and 261-340 in the 4th. From 1957-1973, Topps followed this same pattern.

Why would skip numbered not account? Why would 1952 and other non-skip numbered sets before 1956 not count? Release by series begins long before Topps or Bowman.

[rats60]

Originally Posted by G1911

Why would skip numbered not account? Why would 1952 and other non-skip numbered sets before 1956 not count? Release by series begins long before Topps or Bowman.

Skip numbered doesn't count because the OP specifically stated he wanted the first series to be 1-x, not 1-x minus certain numbers.

I am interpreting "take hold" as not using gimmicks like withholding numbers to get collectors to buy more packs like in 1953. Prior to 1956, having a specific group of cards as a series was not a standard practice.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by rats60

Skip numbered doesn't count because the OP specifically stated he wanted the first series to be 1-x, not 1-x minus certain numbers.

I am interpreting "take hold" as not using gimmicks like withholding numbers to get collectors to buy more packs like in 1953. Prior to 1956, having a specific group of cards as a series was not a standard practice.

52 Topps, Bowmans and 1934 Goudey don’t count because? Even if we insist on card numbers and no skip numbered cards it begins long before 1956.

[rats60]

Originally Posted by G1911

52 Topps, Bowmans and 1934 Goudey don’t count because? Even if we insist on card numbers and no skip numbered cards it begins long before 1956.

They don't count because Topps and Bowman skip numbered their 1955 sets.

[brass_rat]

I would have said T210 has strict Series 1 through 8 designation. While the backs say Series X, they aren't numbered and only say "Large Assortment".