** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
As usual great looking stuff Mike. I always had a special fondness for those 1980 Topps racks. The card design that year was really attractive and pretty to look at. But of course its tough to top those '75 cellos--especially with the likes of Rose on top!!
"You tell 'em I'm coming...and hell's coming with me"--Wyatt Earp
Mike ... please remember to bring a few of these for me as "GIFTS" when you, Erik and I go out Monday night!
STAY HEALTHY!
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
Mike great looking racks, but once again you love teasing me even though both of the Pirates are on the back (Stargell & Oliver). Keep the packs coming.
"EVERYBODY LOVE EVERYBODY IT SAYS IT RIGHT THERE ON THE WALL" - JACKIE MOON
Even a notorious pack-ripper can appreciate an unopened collection like yours, Mike. With that said - I'm waiting for you to have me over for the next PackGeek video.
You know, hardly anyone knows this, but after finishing his musical career with The Doors, Jim Morrison played for a while with the White Sox, till he was caught doing LSD with Dock Ellis.
Sweet packs, Mike! A few of them even look quite familiar! Enjoy!
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Glad to see you enjoyed them Summer. If you go back a few pages, you can see that I finally finished that 1975 rack box I was working on.
Bobby, when I was that pack with Stargell and Oliver on the back, I thought of you. Obviously, I was going for the Rose, but having both Yaz and Stargell on the back made this rack a must have.
Jeff, if I ever decide to rip any of these, you and Eric are the first two I'll call.
Handyman, go use of the word amazing for a Mets fan, LOL. That Rose cello looks real nice in hand.
Doug, I was going to bring something when I see you and Eric on Monday, but it won't be any of these packs.
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting: Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
Here are my first two picture contributions to Mike's pack thread that I know he will like:
And here are some '73 cellos and a rack. And we know that the wrappers on the cellos are authentic and the correct year without even seeing the serial# on back. Remember the lesson I presented on this board months ago? The letter (d) in the word (cards) ligns up directly over letter (B) in the word (BUBBLE). The is a unique characteristic only found on authentic '73 cello wrappers. In all other years the (d) will (not) lign up directly over the (B) as they are offset of each other.
"You tell 'em I'm coming...and hell's coming with me"--Wyatt Earp
<< <i>Here are my first two picture contributions to Mike's pack thread that I know he will like:
And here is a picture of some authentic '73 cellos. And yes these three packs are wearing authentic '73 cello wrappers and we know this even without seeing the serial# on back. Remember our lesson months ago? The letter (D) lines up directly over the letter (B). >>
Don you'll be getting a pm from Nathan soon, if you don't already got-it!
For us late comers, could you show us what the other cello wrappers are? Were they using a different year for fake cellos or a reprinted wrapper?
Jim
Topps used wrappers with a product code ending in "2" on back for 1973 and some 1974 cellos. The product code end number was changed to "4" in 1974 and cellos packaged in 1974 and the first part of 1975 bore those wrappers. In 1975, Topps changed wrappers again to a version with a product code ending in "5," which they used through 1977. In 1978 the product code was changed again to one ending in "8." All of these wrapper changes coincided with a change in card count in the packs: 27 in 1973, 22 in 1974, 18 from 1975 through 1977 and then 21 in 1978.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Jim, Grote is absolutely correct in every detail of his reply. Everything he said refers to the back of Topps cello wrappers. When it comes to the front of Topps cello wrappers we have a different set of circumstances. On Topps .25 cent cello wrappers printed for use on 1974 and, as well as with 1975 thru 1977 generation wrappers, the (offset) letter alignments of the (d) & (B) are so similar that you can't tell just by looking at the front of the wrapper what the serial# will be on the reverse.
However with the '73 cello wrapper you can tell it is a '73 cello wrapper and not a '74 or '75-77 generation wrapper because the (d) aligns directly over the (B) and are not offset. This is why the 1973 baseball cello pack is the ONLY . 25 cent baseball cello pack in which you can ascertain it has the correct year wrapper just by looking at the front of the wrapper.
There are some more subtle differences that also is unique to the front of the '73 cello wrapper but I don't need to get into that. The most obvious is the one characteristic I outlined above.
"You tell 'em I'm coming...and hell's coming with me"--Wyatt Earp
Mike, I knew you'd love those racks. And for the record those rack and the cellos aren't mine. They are pictures that I have in my extensive picture inventory that I reference from time to time to study vintage packs. Those pictures were from two auctions at the old Mastro Auctions. If you can't afford to own them then the next best thing is to keep pictures of them--I guess.
"You tell 'em I'm coming...and hell's coming with me"--Wyatt Earp
<< <i>Mike, I knew you'd love those racks. And for the record those rack and the cellos aren't mine. They are pictures that I have in my extensive picture inventory that I reference from time to time to study vintage packs. Those pictures were from two auctions at the old Mastro Auctions. If you can't afford to own them then the next best thing is to keep pictures of them--I guess. >>
Pictures work for me.
I personally like this one. Now I'm working on completing a second one.
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting: Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
Mike, concrats on the completion of your first '75 rack box. I would consider it a box for the "ages". However I have a gut feeling on what you are really trying to build...a 72- pack three box '75 rack case!!!
"You tell 'em I'm coming...and hell's coming with me"--Wyatt Earp
<< <i>Mike, concrats on the completion of your first '75 rack box. I would consider it a box for the "ages". However I have a gut feeling on what you are really trying to build...a 72- pack three box '75 rack case!!! >>
Don, I'm actually working on collecting the 1975 set with only the 6 cards showing in the racks. I'm currently about 30% done with the set. John Moran suggested it to me originally and I thought that would be a cool goal. I'll probably never finish it, but hey what the heck.
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting: Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
Mike, concrats on the completion of your first '75 rack box. I would consider it a box for the "ages". However I have a gut feeling on what you are really trying to build...a 72- pack three box '75 rack case!!! >>
Don, I'm actually working on collecting the 1975 set with only the 6 cards showing in the racks. I'm currently about 30% done with the set. John Moran suggested it to me originally and I thought that would be a cool goal. I'll probably never finish it, but hey what the heck.
Mike, as you probably know, there is a new member kurtisjoseph who I believe is very close to completing that; if I'm not mistaken, I believe he may be 90% done.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>Mike, concrats on the completion of your first '75 rack box. I would consider it a box for the "ages". However I have a gut feeling on what you are really trying to build...a 72- pack three box '75 rack case!!! >>
Don, I'm actually working on collecting the 1975 set with only the 6 cards showing in the racks. I'm currently about 30% done with the set. John Moran suggested it to me originally and I thought that would be a cool goal. I'll probably never finish it, but hey what the heck.
Mike, as you probably know, there is a new member kurtisjoseph who I believe is very close to completing that; if I'm not mistaken, I believe he may be 90% done. >>
Well, once he finishes they'll be less competition for these. If only I could think of a way to distract you, I'd be all set.
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting: Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
<< Mike, concrats on the completion of your first '75 rack box. I would consider it a box for the "ages". However I have a gut feeling on what you are really trying to build...a 72- pack three box '75 rack case!!! >>
Don, I'm actually working on collecting the 1975 set with only the 6 cards showing in the racks. I'm currently about 30% done with the set. John Moran suggested it to me originally and I thought that would be a cool goal. I'll probably never finish it, but hey what the heck.
Mike, as you probably know, there is a new member kurtisjoseph who I believe is very close to completing that; if I'm not mistaken, I believe he may be 90% done. >>
Well, once he finishes they'll be less competition for these. If only I could think of a way to distract you, I'd be all set.
Forget about me. You better work on distracting that paleoanthro guy, LOL..
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
I love vintage rack packs and here are three very unusual '73 racks from my picture archives for your enjoyment. I'm not saying anything is wrong with these racks just that each is rare in it's own right. We've seen many '71 racks with the player card header but here is a '73 with one:
And we seen some '74 racks with a Pepsi header but here is a '73 with one:
And a most "interesting" '73 rack with 3 hall-of-famers on Top--what are the odds?
"You tell 'em I'm coming...and hell's coming with me"--Wyatt Earp
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
And this one's just for Tim: a '75 mini rack with Carew, Bench, Morgan on top...oh yea, Munson is on bottom!!!
Thanks, Summer! Interesting in those 75 racks is that the header card is on the left side of the rack instead of the right where it is normally located. 1975 is an aberration in that regard, as the header card for all other years in the 70s has the header card normally located on the left side of the rack. That may explain why the carew card (a ** card which is normally in the far right section furthest from the rack) is next to the header card in this rack. But racks with three star cards like that on top make me nervous as a buyer, in any case..
Edit to add: The 75 Brett rack has the header card in its normal location.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i> But racks with three star cards like that on top make me nervous as a buyer, in any case... >>
And considering Munson is also on the back of the rack, and a mini rack no less, the use of the word "nervous" is most applicable--perhaps even generous.
"You tell 'em I'm coming...and hell's coming with me"--Wyatt Earp
Comments
Good thing I don't have a feeble mind, LOL. But you and Nathan are the first to I contact if any Reds packs need to go.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
1974: PSA 8 +
1975-1979: PSA 9+
What? No Schmidt?
<< <i>Holy. Crap. >>
I like this JohnStep guy.
1976 Hank Aaron on Top Cello Pack
1980 Tom Seaver on Top Rack Pack
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
<< <i>Sweet racks Mike! New pickups?
What? No Schmidt?
Oh no, not that Schmidt again!!!
Yes, new pickups. All with the past couple of weeks. I've been busy.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
Jeff
I want the 1975 Rose PAck!!!!!!
Sweet packs, Mike! A few of them even look quite familiar!
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Glad to see you enjoyed them Summer. If you go back a few pages, you can see that I finally finished that 1975 rack box I was working on.
Bobby, when I was that pack with Stargell and Oliver on the back, I thought of you. Obviously, I was going for the Rose, but having both Yaz and Stargell on the back made this rack a must have.
Jeff, if I ever decide to rip any of these, you and Eric are the first two I'll call.
Handyman, go use of the word amazing for a Mets fan, LOL. That Rose cello looks real nice in hand.
Doug, I was going to bring something when I see you and Eric on Monday, but it won't be any of these packs.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
Edited to add: Thanks Matt!!!
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
And here are some '73 cellos and a rack. And we know that the wrappers on the cellos are authentic and the correct year without even seeing the serial# on back. Remember the lesson I presented on this board months ago? The letter (d) in the word (cards) ligns up directly over letter (B) in the word (BUBBLE). The is a unique characteristic only found on authentic '73 cello wrappers. In all other years the (d) will (not) lign up directly over the (B) as they are offset of each other.
<< <i>Here are my first two picture contributions to Mike's pack thread that I know he will like:
And here is a picture of some authentic '73 cellos. And yes these three packs are wearing authentic '73 cello wrappers and we know this even without seeing the serial# on back. Remember our lesson months ago? The letter (D) lines up directly over the letter (B).
Don you'll be getting a pm from Nathan soon, if you don't already got-it!
For us late comers, could you show us what the other cello wrappers are? Were they using a different year for fake cellos or a reprinted wrapper?
Jim
60's OPC packs
72 BB, 60's FB, 71FB, 73FB, 74FB, 75FB, 76FB, 78FB Rack Packs
72 and earlier BB cello
For us late comers, could you show us what the other cello wrappers are? Were they using a different year for fake cellos or a reprinted wrapper?
Jim
Topps used wrappers with a product code ending in "2" on back for 1973 and some 1974 cellos. The product code end number was changed to "4" in 1974 and cellos packaged in 1974 and the first part of 1975 bore those wrappers. In 1975, Topps changed wrappers again to a version with a product code ending in "5," which they used through 1977. In 1978 the product code was changed again to one ending in "8." All of these wrapper changes coincided with a change in card count in the packs: 27 in 1973, 22 in 1974, 18 from 1975 through 1977 and then 21 in 1978.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
However with the '73 cello wrapper you can tell it is a '73 cello wrapper and not a '74 or '75-77 generation wrapper because the (d) aligns directly over the (B) and are not offset. This is why the 1973 baseball cello pack is the ONLY . 25 cent baseball cello pack in which you can ascertain it has the correct year wrapper just by looking at the front of the wrapper.
There are some more subtle differences that also is unique to the front of the '73 cello wrapper but I don't need to get into that. The most obvious is the one characteristic I outlined above.
Great comments by you and Tim regarding the wrappers. Lots of great information to share with our fellow pack collectors.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
If you can't afford to own them then the next best thing is to keep pictures of them--I guess.
<< <i>Mike, I knew you'd love those racks. And for the record those rack and the cellos aren't mine. They are pictures that I have in my extensive picture inventory that I reference from time to time to study vintage packs. Those pictures were from two auctions at the old Mastro Auctions.
If you can't afford to own them then the next best thing is to keep pictures of them--I guess. >>
Pictures work for me.
I personally like this one. Now I'm working on completing a second one.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
A whole box of '75 racks and working on a second? Wow.
Hope you're feeling better Mike!
<< <i>Hope you're feeling better Mike!
Thanks Mike. I'm feeling much better. Hope you enjoyed your B-day!!!
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
aconte
"Live everyday, don't throw it away"
<< <i>Mike, concrats on the completion of your first '75 rack box. I would consider it a box for the "ages". However I have a gut feeling on what you are really trying to build...a 72- pack three box '75 rack case!!! >>
Don, I'm actually working on collecting the 1975 set with only the 6 cards showing in the racks. I'm currently about 30% done with the set. John Moran suggested it to me originally and I thought that would be a cool goal. I'll probably never finish it, but hey what the heck.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
Don, I'm actually working on collecting the 1975 set with only the 6 cards showing in the racks. I'm currently about 30% done with the set. John Moran suggested it to me originally and I thought that would be a cool goal. I'll probably never finish it, but hey what the heck.
Mike, as you probably know, there is a new member kurtisjoseph who I believe is very close to completing that; if I'm not mistaken, I believe he may be 90% done.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>Mike, concrats on the completion of your first '75 rack box. I would consider it a box for the "ages". However I have a gut feeling on what you are really trying to build...a 72- pack three box '75 rack case!!! >>
Don, I'm actually working on collecting the 1975 set with only the 6 cards showing in the racks. I'm currently about 30% done with the set. John Moran suggested it to me originally and I thought that would be a cool goal. I'll probably never finish it, but hey what the heck.
Mike, as you probably know, there is a new member kurtisjoseph who I believe is very close to completing that; if I'm not mistaken, I believe he may be 90% done. >>
Well, once he finishes they'll be less competition for these. If only I could think of a way to distract you, I'd be all set.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
Don, I'm actually working on collecting the 1975 set with only the 6 cards showing in the racks. I'm currently about 30% done with the set. John Moran suggested it to me originally and I thought that would be a cool goal. I'll probably never finish it, but hey what the heck.
Mike, as you probably know, there is a new member kurtisjoseph who I believe is very close to completing that; if I'm not mistaken, I believe he may be 90% done. >>
Well, once he finishes they'll be less competition for these. If only I could think of a way to distract you, I'd be all set.
Forget about me. You better work on distracting that paleoanthro guy, LOL..
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>
<< <i>Well, once he finishes they'll be less competition for these. If only I could think of a way to distract you, I'd be all set. >>
Forget about me. You better work on distracting that paleoanthro guy, LOL.. >>
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
And we seen some '74 racks with a Pepsi header but here is a '73 with one:
And a most "interesting" '73 rack with 3 hall-of-famers on Top--what are the odds?
<< <i>
If Roget were alive today, even he would have trouble coming up with the right words to describe this rack.
<< <i>
<< <i>
If Roget were alive today, even he would have trouble coming up with the right words to describe this rack. >>
Wow this might be close to that 1960 Topps Cello Mantle on top.... Holy Greatness!!!
"Live everyday, don't throw it away"
Wow! I assure you it's saying something if even I wouldn't rip something....
Any of you unopened guys know if that rack is still intact?
<< <i>Mays, Bench, and McCovey?!
Wow! I assure you it's saying something if even I wouldn't rip something....
Any of you unopened guys know if that rack is still intact? >>
All I know is that the rack sold at a major auction house in '03 for $2320
<< <i>
<< <i>Mays, Bench, and McCovey?!
Wow! I assure you it's saying something if even I wouldn't rip something....
Any of you unopened guys know if that rack is still intact? >>
All I know is that the rack sold at a major auction house in '07 for $2320 >>
Again, not an unopened guy, but that seems like a bargain.
<< <i>Wow this might be close to that 1960 Topps Cello Mantle on top.... Holy Greatness!!! >>
Let us see the "Greatness". This picture is from a 2001 auction where it sold for $1454 raw.
And here's the back and it does have the correct top/bottom seal configuration.
<< <i>Let us see the "Greatness". This picture is from a 2001 auction where it sold for $1454 raw.
Don, don't get Jose going. He'll go to the vault and pull something out that will make all our jaws drop.
BTW, I would have bought that one if I knew for sure it was good. Still looking for that 67 cello with Seaver on top.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
<< <i> BTW, I would have bought that one if I knew for sure it was good. Still looking for that 67 cello with Seaver on top.
'67 cello with Seaver on top you say: This picture is from a 2005 auction where it sold for $5400.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
Shane
<< <i>Wow ... wow ... wow and wow. >>
I totally agree with you Doug. I just got done picking my jaw up off the ground. I would have found a way to get those packs. Simply awesome.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
This Musial cello sold at auction '03 for $2109.
And this one's just for Tim: a '75 mini rack with Carew, Bench, Morgan on top...oh yea, Munson is on bottom!!!
Thanks, Summer! Interesting in those 75 racks is that the header card is on the left side of the rack instead of the right where it is normally located. 1975 is an aberration in that regard, as the header card for all other years in the 70s has the header card normally located on the left side of the rack. That may explain why the carew card (a ** card which is normally in the far right section furthest from the rack) is next to the header card in this rack. But racks with three star cards like that on top make me nervous as a buyer, in any case..
Edit to add: The 75 Brett rack has the header card in its normal location.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i> But racks with three star cards like that on top make me nervous as a buyer, in any case... >>
And considering Munson is also on the back of the rack, and a mini rack no less, the use of the word "nervous" is most applicable--perhaps even generous.