When did the true "series" concept begin

[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.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by rats60

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

Ignoring numerous preceding sets to only use Topps even, it does not begin with 1952 Topps, because 1955 Topps was skip numbered with the 4 missing numbers and the 90-99 block. That makes a lot of sense.

[rats60]

Originally Posted by G1911

Ignoring numerous preceding sets to only use Topps even, it does not begin with 1952 Topps, because 1955 Topps was skip numbered with the 4 missing numbers and the 90-99 block. That makes a lot of sense.

Yes, it does. The OP asked when numbering each series consecutively took hold. Before 1956, it was random. Starting in 1956 it became the standard to issue cards in series like that.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by rats60

Yes, it does. The OP asked when numbering each series consecutively took hold. Before 1956, it was random. Starting in 1956 it became the standard to issue cards in series like that.

It did not begin in 1956. Even if we ignore the begin, 1958 and 1961 are skip numbered too by your rules dismissing 1955, so 1956 isn’t the start of a lengthy uninterrupted string even.

[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".