1974 Laughlin Old-Time Black Stars - A Set Ahead of its Time

[bcbgcbrcb]

Tom:

Those uncut sheets would have been cool, never seen any of those available.

[ghostmarcelle]

Because there was no reference material at the time

[laughlinfan]

Bob did a lot of research for those sets, as well as the Indianapolis Clowns set - he talked to several of the players as well.

Based on what I know about Bob's printing of sets, I would guess that he made 1500 or so of the 74 set, and maybe 250 or 500 of the 78s. Just as you guys said, the lack of "stars" in the 78 set greatly reduced demand. I think the 74 set is just a nicer looking set, too.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Interesting info on the production numbers, I never heard that information released before, thanks for sharing.

[paleocards]

Thanks, fellas, for the info on this set. I'm still pretty much a novice concerning its history and distribution so it is much appreciated. In '74, I was in my last years as a mid-teen collecting cards (1975 Topps were the last packs I bought) but I have no recollection of the Laughlin sets (I grew up in LA). Were they only dist'd via mail-order? Did they come in clear cello packs or was there any designed wrapping associated with them? Does anybody own, or if not, has anyone seen "unopened" '74 or '78 Laughlins recently?

[bcbgcbrcb]

My guess would be mail order only sets.

[novakjr]

Given the scarcity, yet affordability of these, and the number of RC's(especially in the '74s), I've had a lot of fun tracking down the Laughlin cards. I'm always excited as hell to find new ones...And I'll agree, the '78 seem WAY harder to find.. Just picked up these 3 '74s today...