<< <i>Imagine if it was 1989 and there was still unopened wax boxes from 1959-1965. Same amount of years have passed from the mid 80's up to today. >>
there were some back then.
imagine if the production were similar for then as it is for "modern".
we wouldn't be here right now.
i do agree that the best years for 80's product up are ahead of us because people will gravitate to whatever is available or whatever can be found, so maybe it will drive the market for this stuff back up to prior levels.
<< <i>1982 Topps wax boxes - all gone. 1984 Topps wax boxes - all gone. 1986 Donruss wax boxes - all gone.
Not saying that this stuff will be hard to replace but it seems its obvious the 70's stuff is drying up to the point that people are now going after the 80's, and why wouldn't they. The 80's has a ton of great players. The stuff is cheap compared to what the previous decade sells for and now, adults who have kids are ripping packs with there children and probably introducing them to guys like Clemens and Mattingly.
Nice to see this stuff in more demand as of recent. Heck, it only took 25-30 years. Imagine if it was 1989 and there was still unopened wax boxes from 1959-1965. Same amount of years have passed from the mid 80's up to today. >>
I started collecting 80's unopened stuff coming back into this hobby and I enjoy that. I know the players and I know the sets well. I dont identify as well with the 70's as much, but know them almost as well, especially the late 70's. So I have been grabbing some stuff from BBCE in the 80's range.
I have been seeing an interest in late 70s to early 80s football. Football has always been underpriced. Look at prices for 78,79 and 1982 football packs. they have taken a jump.
I know - not very impressive - I paid 100 bucks many moons ago - now it's kindling.
I do have the run from '79 to '87. Mike wanted me to organize it - but I can barely reach it all - quite a few cases are still in blue plastic cases in another closet and my wife wants it moved!
>>
ALONE the '87 Vending may be "kindling", but when put in with the run of '79 to '87, youve got some magic brewing!
Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
Just bought a 1981 Topps BB Grocery Rack box from BBCE. Just to keep the ripping fires stoked. When I re-entered the hobby a year and a half ago and bought a 1970 Topps wax box that had been languishing on the BBCE shelves. I thought this kind of stuff would be falling from the trees. Boy, was I wrong.
I am waiting for my shipment to arrive! Promise to post scans - not sure how exciting 1981 scans will be but maybe I'll get the gem mint Gibson and Fernandos!
Does anyone know if the 81 grocery racks are in individual wax packs like the 1980's? Or are they like the 82 football grocery racks that are in the individual cello packs? Thanks
<< <i>It is most definitely true that 1970s unopened material is no longer as plentiful. While there are still a few caches out there to become available, we've reached the point at which if you want the material you are going to pay quite a bit more for it.
Look at 1973 Series 4 wax boxes as an example. 15 months ago one sold on Ebay for about $1800 to a member of this forum. In the November CollectAuctions sale one went for over $3500 with the buyers premium!! In late 2011 a series 5 1973 wax box could be had for about $4300 and in the same November 2012 auction one went for over $6000!
Fritsch is very slowly letting their unopened out. You can't get them to sell in quantity. You can't even get them to discount at this point (last year there were still ways to get 10%-15% discounts, but those days are gone). And who could argue with their approach? It's working for them very well (other than the 1971 Topps vending which is just so outrageously priced that it is going to continue sitting in the Fritsch warehouse for the foreseeable future).
And as soon as anything from the 1970-1976 era shows up on BBCE's site, it's gobbled up within hours. Look at the 1975 Topps Mini and the 1972 Topps Ser 5/6 wax boxes that went up as the last break was getting off the ground. $1800 and $6600 respectively, and those may end up being real bargains. >>
Probstein right now on Ebay has a 1973 topps wax box direct from Larry Fritsch. It is at 598.00 right now. It would be interesting to see what it sells for. This would be the most current sold item. I see Steve is paying from 2000.00-4000.00 for any 1973 baseball box.
<< <i>Probstein right now on Ebay has a 1973 topps wax box direct from Larry Fritsch. It is at 598.00 right now. It would be interesting to see what it sells for. This would be the most current sold item. I see Steve is paying from 2000.00-4000.00 for any 1973 baseball box. >>
What series is this box and how do you tell? I've seen other boxes that have the series name on the white tab to the right - this one says "HEY KIDS" instead. >>
All 1973 wax boxes were produced with the "Hey Kids" on the tab in the factory. The ones you see with series indicated have a sticker placed on top of the "Hey Kids" to show the series. I'm betting this box up for sale is likely a 4th series box which is the most common but least desirable of any series in 1973. It shouldn't be too difficult though to tell the series by checking the backs of a few of the packs.
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.
The last time Rick sold a 4th series 1973 wax box about a year or so ago it went for $1,800 IIRC, and nendee was the winner and he very graciously conducted a box break here on the board at $75 per pack.
The series should be evident by checking the player names on back of the packs, as 1973 packs typically have cards face out on back and the white wrapper makes it fairly easy to discern the name of the player showing on enough packs to make such a determination.
edit to add: Also, I see the box in question was apparently purchased from Fritsch, and if so, the series would certainly have been stated at the time of purchase. I'm even more certain now that this box would be a 4th series box. There is also a significant difference in value between a 4th series box and a 5th series (Schmidt series) box or 2nd series (Ryan series) box.
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>The last time Rick sold a 4th series 1973 wax box about a year or so ago it went for $1,800 IIRC, and nendee was the winner and he very graciously conducted a box break here on the board at $75 per pack.
The series should be evident by checking the player names on back of the packs, as 1973 packs typically have cards face out on back and the white wrapper makes it fairly easy to discern the name of the player showing on enough packs to make such a determination.
edit to add: Also, I see the box in question was apparently purchased from Fritsch, and if so, the series would certainly have been stated at the time of purchase. I'm even more certain now that this box would be a 4th series box. There is also a significant difference in value between a 4th series box and a 5th series (Schmidt series) box or 2nd series (Ryan series) box. >>
Maybe I am old fashioned but this auction seems awful deceptive to me. No way Fritsch sells a box and you don't know what series it is. There is a big difference in cost between a series 4 box and a series 2 and a series 5 box. No excuse for not putting the series in the auction or at the very least saying you don't know what the series is. Though like Tim said, all you have to do is look at the back and you can determine very easy.
I also agree that they should have shown the series. After looking at the box in the auction,it looks a little beat up. Maybe it was originally purchased from Fritsch but how long ago? Everything has to be purchased from from someplace,
The Fristch inventory of 1973 Topps baseball includes both series 4 and series 5wax boxes (as per their catalog).
They indicate that they are down to the "last" of the series 5 boxes, while the series 4 boxes do not have such qualification in their listing.
For the past year or so Fritsch has been moving these boxes (and 1975 cello boxes) primarily through Collect Auctions. Initially these boxes were not hitting their reserves in early 2012, but by the end of 2012 numbers realized for both series 4 and 5 were well above the Fritsch catalog asking prices.
For general knowledge, 1973 Topps wax boxes exist for each of the series (1-5) AND there is also an "all series" box that was produced late in the year as a trial marketing effort leading up to 1974 when Topps changed to issuing all the cards in a single series.
AND there is also an "all series" box that was produced late in the year as a trial marketing effort leading up to 1974 when Topps changed to issuing all the cards in a single series.
The "all series" packs are probably the scarcest and most valuable of any 73 box (including the 5th series), and are easily recognized by the red triangular graphic on the left corner of each pack.
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> AND there is also an "all series" box that was produced late in the year as a trial marketing effort leading up to 1974 when Topps changed to issuing all the cards in a single series.
The "all series" packs are probably the scarcest and most valuable of any 73 box (including the 5th series), and are easily recognized by the red triangular graphic on the left corner of each pack. >>
Good add Tim! I may still have the pictures of the all-series box BBCE sold at the end of 2011. It included the marketing insert explaining the all-series aspect of the box to the retailer. If I find them I will post them. FOUND IT!
Also, I looked closely at t he pictures on the Probstein box and if you look at the rear shot of the last 6 packs I think you can make out the "OV" in the name McCovey on the top of the pack on the upper left. That has me reasonably convinced its a 4th series box.
Sweet box indeed, David! One to salt away for sure! (Though if you ever decide to break it up, plmk, lol..)
The McCovey is arguably the best card in the 4th series, so at least the winner will have a nice pack there.
Still a bit disappointing that the series is not noted though, as those not savvy enough may overestimate the value of this box as a result.
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.
There isn't any other kind of marking on the wax wrappers themselves?
No, all wrappers are the same for all series except for the all series packs.
But as I said previously, one can read the names through the wrappers to determine the series.
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 am not aware of any differences in the wrappers between series 4 and series 5. And that is all that the Fritsch inventory has been advertising for quite a while (i.e. years).
Unless you know of a series 5 player who has the consecutive letters "OV" in their name, then I am pretty sure its a series 4 box.
BTW, last 1973 Topps BB series 4 box sold by Collect Auctions on 11/29/2012 for $3560 (including BP)!!! That is a hell of a number for that series when you consider that the Fritshc catalog lists them at $2100.
BTW, last 1973 Topps BB series 4 box sold by Collect Auctions on 11/29/2012 for $3560 (including BP)!!! That is a hell of a number for that series when you consider that the Fritshc catalog lists them at $2100.
Geez, I was buying PSA 8 73 4th series packs from dslsports for $75-$85 per pack for the longest time, too, 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.
The player with the OV in the name is Paul Casanova, card #452. Placement of the OV on the card and the greenish/bluish color of the OV coming through the pack points to him.
<< <i>The player with the OV in the name is Paul Casanova, card #452. Placement of the OV on the card and the greenish/bluish color of the OV coming through the pack points to him. >>
Good catch. I saw the "OV" and just assumed it was McCovey. Either way it is still series 4, but looks like your attention to detail is spot on.
What series is this box and how do you tell? I've seen other boxes that have the series name on the white tab to the right - this one says "HEY KIDS" instead. >>
All 1973 wax boxes were produced with the "Hey Kids" on the tab in the factory. The ones you see with series indicated have a sticker placed on top of the "Hey Kids" to show the series. >>
The all series box was not produced with the "Hey Kids" graphic on the tab. Rather, the tab says "Extra! Team checklist in each pack" and there is a front panel on the box that says "All 660 cards now available in one series!" This is cool because it establishes the rarity of the all series product, since it evidently contained the blue team checklists which are certainly tough to find.
What series is this box and how do you tell? I've seen other boxes that have the series name on the white tab to the right - this one says "HEY KIDS" instead. >>
All 1973 wax boxes were produced with the "Hey Kids" on the tab in the factory. The ones you see with series indicated have a sticker placed on top of the "Hey Kids" to show the series. >>
The all series box was not produced with the "Hey Kids" graphic on the tab. Rather, the tab says "Extra! Team checklist in each pack" and there is a front panel on the box that says "All 660 cards now available in one series!" This is cool because it establishes the rarity of the all series product, since it evidently contained the blue team checklists which are certainly tough to find. >>
The all series boxes (and packs) are distinct in their own right, but as far as the boxes that were produced for specific series, the sticker with the series number was plced over the Hey Kids tab which was used for each series. IOW, a 4th series box like this one will sometimes have the 4th series sticker or the tab with Hey Kids printed on it.
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.
What series is this box and how do you tell? I've seen other boxes that have the series name on the white tab to the right - this one says "HEY KIDS" instead. >>
All 1973 wax boxes were produced with the "Hey Kids" on the tab in the factory. The ones you see with series indicated have a sticker placed on top of the "Hey Kids" to show the series. >>
The all series box was not produced with the "Hey Kids" graphic on the tab. Rather, the tab says "Extra! Team checklist in each pack" and there is a front panel on the box that says "All 660 cards now available in one series!" This is cool because it establishes the rarity of the all series product, since it evidently contained the blue team checklists which are certainly tough to find. >>
That information is not quite accurate. The "all series" box was most definitely produced with the "Hey Kids!" graphic on the tab as the following 2 photos clearly demonstrate.
In these photos you see a series 5 box and an "all-series" box next to each other. Note that the all-series box has the "Hey Kids" in red and not black. It also has an exclamation point whereas the series 5 box does not. You are correct that the side panel on the all series box says "All 660 cards now available in one series!". On the series 5 box the side panel says "Collect Em! Trade Em! Flip Em!".
I have not seen an all-series box with the "Extra" tab graphic. That does not mean that they do not also exist (or perhaps that is a sticker that was placed over the "Hey Kids!" graphic?). Do you happen to have a photo to share of such a box?
I actually do own a copy of this box, but the one pictured here is from a Huggins and Scott auction. The "Extra..." text is printed, it is not a sticker. To complicate matters further, the packs from this auction do not appear to have the all-series wrapper. Somehow, no auction with unopened product ever seems to come without questions attached!
Also, while I don't own any of them, it does seem there are images around of '73 boxes with series numbers printed right on the tab, and not on stickers. Perhaps the early series were printed on, and then stickers were made for later series? I would kill for complete, factual information on exactly what variations of all this stuff really were produced.
It would be interesting if someone has opened an all series pack without the graphic on the wrapper to confirm that the cards were indeed from all series. As far as collecting goes, I'd much rather have a box like Dave's where the packs bear the all series designation as there is no question about it. That wrapper variation is also much scarcer in its own right.
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>......Also, I looked closely at t he pictures on the Probstein box and if you look at the rear shot of the last 6 packs I think you can make out the "OV" in the name McCovey on the top of the pack on the upper left. That has me reasonably convinced its a 4th series box. >>
I agree it is a 4th series box, but I am not certain that card is McCovey. The (possible) OV that you see would mean that the V is at about the midpoint (or close to it) of the card, and that is not the case with the actual McCovey card. On the 1973 McCovey card the Y is at the midpoint of the card.
However, in the same eBay scan as the pack thought to be McCovey, the top right pack shows what I strongly believe to be card #505 Bob Bailey, 3rd baseman of the Montreal Expos since the E in Bailey falls between the L in Montreal and the E in Expos, same as it does when viewing an actual copy of the card.
<< <i>However, in the same eBay scan as the pack thought to be McCovey, the top right pack shows what I strongly believe to be card #505 Bob Bailey, 3rd baseman of the Montreal Expos since the E in Bailey falls between the L in Montreal and the E in Expos, same as it does when viewing an actual copy of the card. >>
You are right - that is Bob Bailey, so further confirmation of 4th series.
Not a surprise that its a 4th series box really. I don;t know too many people that were willing to pay the Fritsch asking price on series 5 boxes until very recently.
Good detective work folks!
Also, many thanks to all who posted pictures of the various box variations. This is some really neat info to share!
<< <i>I am sure the people bidding now do not realize it is a 4th series box.
Mark >>
Indeed.
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 am sure the people bidding now do not realize it is a 4th series box.
Mark >>
Indeed. >>
I don't understand how people can plop down that much cash on a known iffy product(older wax in general, not this box specifically) without doing a reasonable amount of due diligence.
<< <i>Anybody else check BBCE's website the day after you place an order to see if you wiped out their remaining inventory for whatever you bought? >>
I also check after Mark reserves product for a rip!
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW What a Ride!' Mark Frost
<< <i>Ok now it is at 2650.00! Thats about 110.00 a pack! >>
As Mark stated, the bidders at this price point do not realize this is a 4th series box.
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 can see a occassional ebayer selling something like that but someone with a reputation should have stated it in the description. If I was selling it for someone, the first question I would ask is what series is it. There is anothe person selling a 73 wax box differerent series and he mentions the 2650.00 box and describes it as a 4th series box.
<< <i>I can see a occassional ebayer selling something like that but someone with a reputation should have stated it in the description. If I was selling it for someone, the first question I would ask is what series is it. There is anothe person selling a 73 wax box differerent series and he mentions the 2650.00 box and describes it as a 4th series box. >>
Comments
<< <i>Imagine if it was 1989 and there was still unopened wax boxes from 1959-1965. Same amount of years have passed from the mid 80's up to today. >>
there were some back then.
imagine if the production were similar for then as it is for "modern".
we wouldn't be here right now.
i do agree that the best years for 80's product up are ahead of us because people will gravitate to whatever is available or whatever can be found, so maybe it will drive the market for this stuff back up to prior levels.
<< <i>1982 Topps wax boxes - all gone.
1984 Topps wax boxes - all gone.
1986 Donruss wax boxes - all gone.
Not saying that this stuff will be hard to replace but it seems its obvious the 70's stuff is drying up to the point that people are now going after the 80's, and why wouldn't they. The 80's has a ton of great players. The stuff is cheap compared to what the previous decade sells for and now, adults who have kids are ripping packs with there children and probably introducing them to guys like Clemens and Mattingly.
Nice to see this stuff in more demand as of recent. Heck, it only took 25-30 years. Imagine if it was 1989 and there was still unopened wax boxes from 1959-1965. Same amount of years have passed from the mid 80's up to today. >>
I started collecting 80's unopened stuff coming back into this hobby and I enjoy that. I know the players and I know the sets well. I dont identify as well with the 70's as much, but know them almost as well, especially the late 70's. So I have been grabbing some stuff from BBCE in the 80's range.
<< <i>
<< <i>'87 VENDING! NICE! >>
Hiya Eric
I know - not very impressive - I paid 100 bucks many moons ago - now it's kindling.
I do have the run from '79 to '87. Mike wanted me to organize it - but I can barely reach it all - quite a few cases are still in blue plastic cases in another closet and my wife wants it moved!
>>
ALONE the '87 Vending may be "kindling", but when put in with the run of '79 to '87, youve got some magic brewing!
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
Thanks,
David (LD_Ferg)
1985 Topps Football (starting in psa 8) - #9 - started 05/21/06
Thanks
<< <i>It is most definitely true that 1970s unopened material is no longer as plentiful. While there are still a few caches out there to become available, we've reached the
point at which if you want the material you are going to pay quite a bit more for it.
Look at 1973 Series 4 wax boxes as an example. 15 months ago one sold on Ebay for about $1800 to a member of this forum. In the November CollectAuctions
sale one went for over $3500 with the buyers premium!! In late 2011 a series 5 1973 wax box could be had for about $4300 and in the same November 2012
auction one went for over $6000!
Fritsch is very slowly letting their unopened out. You can't get them to sell in quantity. You can't even get them to discount at this point (last year there were still
ways to get 10%-15% discounts, but those days are gone). And who could argue with their approach? It's working for them very well (other than the 1971 Topps
vending which is just so outrageously priced that it is going to continue sitting in the Fritsch warehouse for the foreseeable future).
And as soon as anything from the 1970-1976 era shows up on BBCE's site, it's gobbled up within hours. Look at the 1975 Topps Mini and the 1972 Topps Ser 5/6
wax boxes that went up as the last break was getting off the ground. $1800 and $6600 respectively, and those may end up being real bargains. >>
Kiss me twice.....let's party.
<< <i>
<< <i>Probstein right now on Ebay has a 1973 topps wax box direct from Larry Fritsch. It is at 598.00 right now. It would be interesting to see what it sells for. This would be the most current sold item. I see Steve is paying from 2000.00-4000.00 for any 1973 baseball box. >>
What series is this box and how do you tell? I've seen other boxes that have the series name on the white tab to the right - this one says "HEY KIDS" instead. >>
All 1973 wax boxes were produced with the "Hey Kids" on the tab in the factory. The ones you see with series indicated have a sticker placed on top of the "Hey Kids" to show the series. I'm betting this box up for sale is likely a 4th series box which is the most common but least desirable of any series in 1973. It shouldn't be too difficult though to tell the series by checking the backs of a few of the packs.
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.
The series should be evident by checking the player names on back of the packs, as 1973 packs typically have cards face out on back and the white wrapper makes it fairly easy to discern the name of the player showing on enough packs to make such a determination.
edit to add: Also, I see the box in question was apparently purchased from Fritsch, and if so, the series would certainly have been stated at the time of purchase. I'm even more certain now that this box would be a 4th series box. There is also a significant difference in value between a 4th series box and a 5th series (Schmidt series) box or 2nd series (Ryan series) box.
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>The last time Rick sold a 4th series 1973 wax box about a year or so ago it went for $1,800 IIRC, and nendee was the winner and he very graciously conducted a box break here on the board at $75 per pack.
The series should be evident by checking the player names on back of the packs, as 1973 packs typically have cards face out on back and the white wrapper makes it fairly easy to discern the name of the player showing on enough packs to make such a determination.
edit to add: Also, I see the box in question was apparently purchased from Fritsch, and if so, the series would certainly have been stated at the time of purchase. I'm even more certain now that this box would be a 4th series box. There is also a significant difference in value between a 4th series box and a 5th series (Schmidt series) box or 2nd series (Ryan series) box. >>
Maybe I am old fashioned but this auction seems awful deceptive to me. No way Fritsch sells a box and you don't know what series it is. There is a big difference in cost between a series 4 box and a series 2 and a series 5 box. No excuse for not putting the series in the auction or at the very least saying you don't know what the series is. Though like Tim said, all you have to do is look at the back and you can determine very easy.
Mark
T206 Set - 300/524
They indicate that they are down to the "last" of the series 5 boxes, while the series 4 boxes do not have such
qualification in their listing.
For the past year or so Fritsch has been moving these boxes (and 1975 cello boxes) primarily through Collect Auctions.
Initially these boxes were not hitting their reserves in early 2012, but by the end of 2012 numbers realized for both
series 4 and 5 were well above the Fritsch catalog asking prices.
For general knowledge, 1973 Topps wax boxes exist for each of the series (1-5) AND there is also an "all series" box
that was produced late in the year as a trial marketing effort leading up to 1974 when Topps changed to issuing all
the cards in a single series.
Dave
that was produced late in the year as a trial marketing effort leading up to 1974 when Topps changed to issuing all
the cards in a single series.
The "all series" packs are probably the scarcest and most valuable of any 73 box (including the 5th series), and are easily recognized
by the red triangular graphic on the left corner of each pack.
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> AND there is also an "all series" box
that was produced late in the year as a trial marketing effort leading up to 1974 when Topps changed to issuing all
the cards in a single series.
The "all series" packs are probably the scarcest and most valuable of any 73 box (including the 5th series), and are easily recognized
by the red triangular graphic on the left corner of each pack. >>
Good add Tim! I may still have the pictures of the all-series box BBCE sold at the end of 2011. It included the marketing insert explaining
the all-series aspect of the box to the retailer. If I find them I will post them. FOUND IT!
Also, I looked closely at t he pictures on the Probstein box and if you look at the rear shot of the last 6 packs I think you can make out the
"OV" in the name McCovey on the top of the pack on the upper left. That has me reasonably convinced its a 4th series box.
Dave
The McCovey is arguably the best card in the 4th series, so at least the winner will have a nice pack there.
Still a bit disappointing that the series is not noted though, as those not savvy enough may overestimate the value of this box as a result.
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.
No, all wrappers are the same for all series except for the all series packs.
But as I said previously, one can read the names through the wrappers to determine the series.
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 am not aware of any differences in the wrappers between series 4 and series 5. And that is all that the Fritsch inventory
has been advertising for quite a while (i.e. years).
Unless you know of a series 5 player who has the consecutive letters "OV" in their name, then I am pretty sure its a series 4
box.
BTW, last 1973 Topps BB series 4 box sold by Collect Auctions on 11/29/2012 for $3560 (including BP)!!! That is a hell of a number
for that series when you consider that the Fritshc catalog lists them at $2100.
Dave
for that series when you consider that the Fritshc catalog lists them at $2100.
Geez, I was buying PSA 8 73 4th series packs from dslsports for $75-$85 per pack for the longest time, too, 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.
Good luck if you want to win this item. You will need it.
<< <i>The player with the OV in the name is Paul Casanova, card #452. Placement of the OV on the card and the greenish/bluish color of the OV coming through the pack points to him. >>
Good catch. I saw the "OV" and just assumed it was McCovey. Either way it is still series 4, but looks like your attention
to detail is spot on.
Dave
<< <i>
<< <i>
What series is this box and how do you tell? I've seen other boxes that have the series name on the white tab to the right - this one says "HEY KIDS" instead. >>
All 1973 wax boxes were produced with the "Hey Kids" on the tab in the factory. The ones you see with series indicated have a sticker placed on top of the "Hey Kids" to show the series. >>
The all series box was not produced with the "Hey Kids" graphic on the tab. Rather, the tab says "Extra! Team checklist in each pack" and there is a front panel on the box that says "All 660 cards now available in one series!" This is cool because it establishes the rarity of the all series product, since it evidently contained the blue team checklists which are certainly tough to find.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
What series is this box and how do you tell? I've seen other boxes that have the series name on the white tab to the right - this one says "HEY KIDS" instead. >>
All 1973 wax boxes were produced with the "Hey Kids" on the tab in the factory. The ones you see with series indicated have a sticker placed on top of the "Hey Kids" to show the series. >>
The all series box was not produced with the "Hey Kids" graphic on the tab. Rather, the tab says "Extra! Team checklist in each pack" and there is a front panel on the box that says "All 660 cards now available in one series!" This is cool because it establishes the rarity of the all series product, since it evidently contained the blue team checklists which are certainly tough to find. >>
The all series boxes (and packs) are distinct in their own right, but as far as the boxes that were produced for specific series, the sticker with the series number was plced over the Hey Kids tab which was used for each series. IOW, a 4th series box like this one will sometimes have the 4th series sticker or the tab with Hey Kids printed on it.
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>
<< <i>
What series is this box and how do you tell? I've seen other boxes that have the series name on the white tab to the right - this one says "HEY KIDS" instead. >>
All 1973 wax boxes were produced with the "Hey Kids" on the tab in the factory. The ones you see with series indicated have a sticker placed on top of the "Hey Kids" to show the series. >>
The all series box was not produced with the "Hey Kids" graphic on the tab. Rather, the tab says "Extra! Team checklist in each pack" and there is a front panel on the box that says "All 660 cards now available in one series!" This is cool because it establishes the rarity of the all series product, since it evidently contained the blue team checklists which are certainly tough to find. >>
That information is not quite accurate. The "all series" box was most definitely produced with the "Hey Kids!" graphic on the tab as the following 2 photos clearly demonstrate.
In these photos you see a series 5 box and an "all-series" box next to each other. Note that the all-series box has the "Hey Kids" in red and not black. It also
has an exclamation point whereas the series 5 box does not. You are correct that the side panel on the all series box says "All 660 cards now available in one series!".
On the series 5 box the side panel says "Collect Em! Trade Em! Flip Em!".
I have not seen an all-series box with the "Extra" tab graphic. That does not mean that they do not also exist (or perhaps that is a sticker that was placed
over the "Hey Kids!" graphic?). Do you happen to have a photo to share of such a box?
Dave
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>......Also, I looked closely at t he pictures on the Probstein box and if you look at the rear shot of the last 6 packs I think you can make out the "OV" in the name McCovey on the top of the pack on the upper left. That has me reasonably convinced its a 4th series box. >>
I agree it is a 4th series box, but I am not certain that card is McCovey. The (possible) OV that you see would mean that the V is at about the midpoint (or close to it) of the card, and that is not the case with the actual McCovey card. On the 1973 McCovey card the Y is at the midpoint of the card.
However, in the same eBay scan as the pack thought to be McCovey, the top right pack shows what I strongly believe to be card #505 Bob Bailey, 3rd baseman of the Montreal Expos since the E in Bailey falls between the L in Montreal and the E in Expos, same as it does when viewing an actual copy of the card.
<< <i>However, in the same eBay scan as the pack thought to be McCovey, the top right pack shows what I strongly believe to be card #505 Bob Bailey, 3rd baseman of the Montreal Expos since the E in Bailey falls between the L in Montreal and the E in Expos, same as it does when viewing an actual copy of the card. >>
You are right - that is Bob Bailey, so further confirmation of 4th series.
very recently.
Good detective work folks!
Also, many thanks to all who posted pictures of the various box variations. This is some really neat info to share!
Dave
Mark
T206 Set - 300/524
<< <i>I am sure the people bidding now do not realize it is a 4th series box.
Mark >>
Indeed.
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>I am sure the people bidding now do not realize it is a 4th series box.
Mark >>
Indeed. >>
I don't understand how people can plop down that much cash on a known iffy product(older wax in general, not this box specifically) without doing a reasonable amount of due diligence.
People can be really dumb at times.
<< <i>Anybody else check BBCE's website the day after you place an order to see if you wiped out their remaining inventory for whatever you bought? >>
I also check after Mark reserves product for a rip!
<< <i>
<< <i>Anybody else check BBCE's website the day after you place an order to see if you wiped out their remaining inventory for whatever you bought? >>
I also check after Mark reserves product for a rip! >>
Doug, we sure have put a dent into Steve's inventory, that is for sure. LOL!!!!
Mark
T206 Set - 300/524
<< <i>Ok now it is at 2650.00! Thats about 110.00 a pack! >>
As Mark stated, the bidders at this price point do not realize this is a 4th series box.
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 can see a occassional ebayer selling something like that but someone with a reputation should have stated it in the description. If I was selling it for someone, the first question I would ask is what series is it. There is anothe person selling a 73 wax box differerent series and he mentions the 2650.00 box and describes it as a 4th series box. >>
+1
aconte