1974 Topps Puzzles - Test Issue

uyu906

I just purchased my first 1974 Topps Puzzle - Jim Palmer and its original wrapper. I have read that these were originally distributed only in New England alongside the 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Test issue. I have several questions I am hoping someone here can answer. First, has anyone opened packs of these back in 1974, or later? I am curious to know whether the puzzle pieces were all put together in original unopened packs, or if the 40 puzzle pieces were scrambled up in the wrapper? Second, Does anyone know which version of the wrapper is more rare - the 25 cent or 29 cent version? Third, is it unusual for one border to be uneven, wavy, etc? And Fourth, does PSA or SGC grade or encapsulate them?

I would be interested in hearing any information that board members may have about this issue.

Thanks!

frankhardy

I have a Bob Gibson for my Cardinals collection. I don't have it with me now because I'm not at home. I don't remember the border being wavy or uneven. Not sure about the other two questions. I do know that those puzzles are pretty tough to come by.

Probstein123

only in New England alongside the 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Test issue
==> the distribution was wider...
my family bought 74 deckle packs in brooklyn and they were also sold in PA in the greater Philly area.....

bishop

I have the set ( 24) and 2 unopened packs , in which the pieces are jumbled, and there does not seem to be anything in the pack which would have held an initially intact puzzle together during handling. All of the edges in my set are straight, but centering of these things is haphazard, particularly on the Ryan. I don't know about distribution or grading, but there does not appear to be a Puzzle set listed on the PSA Registry site

KbKards

An unopened box contains a complete set. The pieces were jumbled in the packs. The 25 cent wrapper is very scarce. It's not uncommon to find puzzles with wavy cuts. Two puzzles that are always cut poorly are the Nolan Ryan and Dick Allen. They're always cut narrow and are usually found with no border at all on the right side. PSA hasn't graded any yet but they probably could using a larger size holder and something to keep puzzle from coming apart.

divecchia

I don't believe PSA grades or encapsulates them, but I have seen a Ryan puzzle in an SCG holder with an "A" authentic on the flip. As far as uneven or wavy border, the only one that does that consistently is the Ryan. The right border is always missing on the Ryan but edge is straight and the bottom edge is always wavy or uneven. Here's a link to a Ryan on eBay. I've seen at least 8-10 Ryans and they all look like this.

Ryan Puzzle on eBay

Here is the pic of it...

Edited to add: I work in an industry where we die cut stuff and this is how the puzzles where made, so it is feasible as the dies got dull that a wavy edge would become inevitable as the dies warped from heavy pressure needed to cut these puzzles. The first few hits of the dies would have a great looking puzzle, but as the dies got dull they would leave stress cracks on the surface from being forced through the thick cardboard that the puzzle is made from.

Donato

uyu906

The bottom edge of my Palmer looks very similar to the bottom edge of the Ryan that Divecchia posted. However, the white borders all around on my Palmer are centered very well. I like the theory that these wavy borders are essentially factory produced.

Thanks for all of the great info on the puzzles! You guys are great!