Test your 1989 Topps packaging knowledge

1989FleerBillRipkencollector

Are these still considered wax packs? Or is there another name?

Was at the shop and thought it was a cello box and thought, hey it's only $12. Surprised when I opened it. I dont remember opening these in '89.

ajw

Dude, I hate to be the one to say this, but there aren't gonna be any FF variations in that box.

Maybe a Russ Martin or two, though.

WinPitcher

I don't recall those either.

Nice find.

Steve

1989FleerBillRipkencollector

The box was wrapped in cellophane so I didn't see the packs until I got to my car.

ajw- I hope your wrong about the FF. Just went to Wiki and if Martins in there, he'll be a whole 6 years old. lol

Last time I have seen a '89 Topps box was in '89. I thought they were thinner. This one looked thicker sideways so I thought it was cello.

BunchOBull

Are you going to leave it sealed for now? The packs that is.

DavidPuddy

Mich. Test packs?

1989FleerBillRipkencollector

<< <i>Are you going to leave it sealed for now? The packs that is. >>



Yeah. Never planned on opening them. Did too much of that in '89.

Was looking for a cello with something interesting on top to add to my newly restarted unopened collection. Just grabbed it on impulse. I was getting about 5 $5 packs, $4 pack, $10 pack and I saw a whole sealed box for $12. Those packs made the box seem like a deal. lol

1989FleerBillRipkencollector

<< <i>Mich. Test packs?

>>



That's the only Topps I can recall packaged like this. I assume these are probally a common issue, but curious why I've never seen them.

Yankees001

That is a 1989 Topps CELLO Pack. Topps made Wax packs, Cello Packs and Rack packs

1989FleerBillRipkencollector

<< <i>That is a 1989 Topps CELLO Pack. Topps made Wax packs, Cello Packs and Rack packs >>



Ah that's it. I'm used to thinking cellos having 20-30+ cards. Guess there wasn't a traditional "see thru" cello in '89 like I was looking for.

Thanks !!

WinPitcher

1989 Topps had regular cellos too.

I think they were 79 cents for 29 cards.

A quick look on ebay will show regular cellos for 1989.


I've never seen those. I think I remember hearing they had a test issue, that must be those.

Duncan would know for sure (Pack collector)

I sold cases of 89 topps retail at the time.

They may be scarce considering.

Steve

lsutigers1973

They look like the jumbo packs but I think the jumbos didn't hit the market until 1990, plus they would have more than 15 cards per pack. Like Steve said, maybe these were test packs or maybe test packs for the next years jumbo packs.

prscott933

must be counterfeits made by jose canseco's mom.

DavidPuddy

Are there cards on the bottom of that box?

1989FleerBillRipkencollector

Nope.

WinPitcher

My guess? These were not sold through candy wholesalers but through grocery stores.


Steve

hotmush

I have some 1989 Topps pack that are wrapped like wax packs, but the wrapping is made of cello. They look exactly the same as wax but the wrapper is shiny. I wonder if Topps just tested a whole bunch of different methods back then.

1989FleerBillRipkencollector

<< <i>I have some 1989 Topps pack that are wrapped like wax packs, but the wrapping is made of cello. They look exactly the same as wax but the wrapper is shiny. I wonder if Topps just tested a whole bunch of different methods back then. >>



Seal on the back or crimped on the edges?

*edit- spelling

BunchOBull

Those sound like standard cellos.

TZAHL

I remember seeing those, a couple of times in Nebraska. Never bought any because our grocer would sell us wax boxes for wholesale. I think those are grocery cellos.....if such a thing.

WinPitcher

Bull

Standard cellos contained 30 cards in 1989 and sold for 79 cents.

Standard cellos were also clear not blue.


Steve

wrongleg

I remember those from 1989 but I don't know where I bought them. It would have either been at card shows or at Costco/Price Club in California.

hotmush

B.R.: No they are wrapped and sealed, not crimped.

prscott933

email BBCE, Steve probably knows what they are.