Does this look like factory wrap on this 1991 Bowman Wax box?
dictoresno
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Thinking of picking this up. Seller stated it’s unopened and original. Looks well aged so I assume it’s legit. I’m just leery of wax packs but if this is truly sealed and not a re-wrap, I think it should be good. Just wasn’t sure if the wrap would have Topps branding on it like they do on newer boxes.
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I don't think these were "factory" wrapped, but it looks like it might have been wrapped for retail sale based on the green sticker??
Oh ok. Yea the ones I see on eBay are mostly not wrapped and the packs are exposed. I don’t wanna buy something that was gone through. I never buy wax because of that but if they all come this way, I guess I don’t have a choice.
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These boxes weren't factory wrapped but I have seen them wrapped for retail before. I think you're fine here.
Appears to be wrapped by the retailer.
Thanks guys
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As others have stated, original boxes were not factory wrapped. That started in 1993 for Bowman and there should be the Topps logo on the wrap. For 1992, a clear wrap likely indicates a retailer return (similar to X-out boxes from the 80s Topps wax). They may have done that in 1991 as well, but I haven't seen any confirmation, though the discount price stickers on many lead me to believe this could be the case.
If I remember correctly a company named Venture bought loose cards and cases in bulk in the late 90s to repackage as "gifts" for resale (in ball cube like packages, candy cane shaped packages) in discount retailers ( Walmart and K-Mart for sure) for the holidays. The product was all junk repackaged, loose cards, single packs, and boxes. The boxes were wrapped by Venture, to be sold as a complete box and not by the pack, and had a pre priced label similar to the one in the picture you provided. I know pricing ranged from $9.99-$29.99.I saw big displays in the local K-Marts, and Walmart had mainly cubes and canes, they only paid Venture when product sold, know as pay per scan.
I would assume the box you are looking at is fine, it is not factory wrapped. It was junk in the late 90s, and I'm not shocked is was resold by this wholesaler.
To confirm, this is a 1991 Bowman Baseball Box the discussion is about. Correct ?
Correct.
So are you saying these were purchased in bulk and rewrapped in wax to seem original and all that will be inside are common junk and no stars?
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No, The 1991 Bowman box you reference about was purchased by the case by Venture, and the case opened, resealed with plastic around each box and a pre price sticker applied for resale at Wal-Mart or K-Mart. The box will have the original untouched packs from 1991.
Gotcha. Thanks!
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Yes, and my explanation is relevant to the discussion. Not sure the confusion?
You're welcome. I have a box with similar wrap and sticker on it from a different year and product I can send a photo to you if you wish.
If you wanna post the pic that would be great
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Back in 1991 when Ultra Fleer baseball came out it was not factory sealed with shrink wrap. After a couple years I would see it shrink wrapped at shows. Probably done by dealers to keep boxes more secure during show to show travels. IIRC the box material was somewhat flimsy.