Preference: 1970s Baseball Wax, from Tray or Box?

NJ80sBBC

Just curious on whether there were strong opinions, one way or the other, on the value of a 3 pack lot from a tray vs box. I'm looking at this also from whether one would prefer to have (12) trays or a full wax box? And also if both are FASC, is that a major factor? The views of the unopened purist vs the "buy & rip" camp could be interesting as well.

Thanks,
John

3 under par

I would rather rip packs from a tray, but I would prefer to save a box instead of 12 trays.

LarkinCollector

There's a few boxes of 12 "FASC" trays broken down into BBCE wrapped wax floating around and notated as such. Best of all worlds...



Trays generally have better conditioned packs with the extra layer of protection, but for ripping I'd go with a 3 pack lot and save a few bucks since the condition of the packs is less relevant. Depending on year and if top/bottom cards can be determined, trays also offer some additional protection from a seller pulling packs with stars showing since it's more difficult to figure out the top card and there's no way to see the back.

grote15

As far as unopened collecting goes, they are two completely different entities. Trays from 79-80 are fairly common, but there is a significant premium for 77 and earlier trays, which are much tougher to find. I pulled my 78 pack with Murray on back and my 80 pack with Henderson on back from wax trays.

vintagefun

I'd rather have the FASC Box than 8-12 sealed trays. I'd rather have a box constructed from 8-12 wax trays, than a box constructed from loose packs.



If ripping, and assuming a buy from a reputable source, I'd probably lean towards the 3 loose packs, as opposed to the tray, since the tray would carry a significant premium.



I'm a huge fan of trays though. They're tough to find, present beautifully, and I think are the best way to "affordably" put together a 70's run of unsearched product, without committing to the box price.



I still kick myself for missing the tray selection Steve had at the Baltimore National a few years back.

ndleo

What did the wrap on the Tray Box that 70sfanatic sent to Steve finally say on the label? FASC Wax Tray?

grote15

David's boxes read from a sealed case of 79 wax trays. Even though technically, that case of trays was opened.

vintagefun

I believe he had them all relabeled to read 36 packs from 12 trays.



I could be wrong but I thought all FASC notations were removed.