What the heck are Topps "Blackless" proofs?

goodriddance189

i was searching ebay i little while ago and came across some 1982 Topps "Blackless" variations. the seller states there are less than 50 of each card, but little else. does anyone have any info on these? are they the same as the Progressive Proofs Topps sometimes sells through their vault, or something else? for reference, here is the auction

G. Brett Blackless Proof-


G. Brett Regular Card-

wlf3

it's a prinitng error, nothing more... no black ink. *** See no autograph is the most obvious***

helionaut

There was a brief popularity of these cards in the early 80s. There was also a rash of them in the 1977 set, IIRC. They are just cards that missed the black part of the printing process, not technically "proofs."

Glynparson

These are listed in the new annual SCD guide.

jimtb

These are TOUGH to find! Player collectors seem to drive the market prices. I know that I've been looking for a Trammell blackless for quite a few years. The most obvious difference from the regular Topps card is that the autograph is missing.
Jim

GoSoxBoSox

How were these issued? They weren't in packs were they?

Ironmanfan

I imagine that uncut sheets were somehow obtained and cut up. Just saw a Lenn Sakata ("Late Inning Lenn") the other day on eBay.