Display box topic about RPs and what to look for

handyman

I just thought I would put this topic out there. I collect display boxes and wrappers. And I know there are repos out there like this one Display . Now I know its just a box but who is making these repos and what are the differances between a regular box? I can see it being very easy to make a 1953 topps RP and roughing it up to look old which would cost a collector hundreds. So if anyone has any advice on this area of the hobby please give some advice and examples on this area. These replicas look dang good, and I dont know if they are fake or legit.
Thanks for yalls time.

PaulMaul

I'm in the same boat. I'm sure the differences would be obvious in hand, but those do look convincing in photos.

BaltimoreYankee

That's definitely going to lead to trouble. I did see people started selling 1971 Bazooka reproduction boxes on eBay but at least the stock on the inside of the box is white, as opposed to the original grey.

JHS5120

<< <i>That's definitely going to lead to trouble. I did see people started selling 1971 Bazooka reproduction boxes on eBay but at least the stock on the inside of the box is white, as opposed to the original grey. >>



I saw those too. I think these boxes are very easy to tell they are fake when you have them in hand. I think some of the "wear" is printed on the box and the card stock is modern and the "wax" wrappers are paper. I don't think it will fool anyone in hand.

mikelowell25

Handyman and wacky dave et al, I have contacted the seller about these a few times starting about a year and a half ago when he first started listing them on ebay as I wanted to see the boxes from other angles including the all-important interior; after a little prodding he sent me scans of other angles including the interior which is white; on actual vintage topps boxes the interior is grayish-brown cardboard color so that would be the telltale sign if nothing else. (besides the "built-in" wear). Also, I believe the stock he uses isnt as heavy as the cardboard stock that topps used for its boxes (the cardboard that topps used for the five cent boxes did get a little lighter ie less heavy around the mid 60's). I have a complete run of topps five cent boxes from 51-76 with many variations and am four boxes shy of a complete run of one cent boxes (if anyone has a 52, 54, 55 and 65, let me know!!) and I know all of mine are legit however when I first came across these on ebay I got a bit worried and thus asked the seller some questions and to see the interior of one which immediately allayed my fears.

As jason stated, the wrappers are printed on regular paper as opposed to wax paper or waxy paper stock which the seller also confirmed to me many months ago because he said that people prefer them on regular paper as opposed to wax paper; I dont know who those people are but I prefer my wrappers to be, well, real!! (and my boxes too!!).

On a side note, I was following the completed listings for these during the summer and was amazed what some of them sold for; I was buying pristine 69 wrappers this summer for less than what his paper fakes were selling for!! Oh well; to each his own!!