1991 Topps / DS Packaging

[Zach Wheat]

I was curious to see if anyone had information about the packaging on both the 1991 regular issues cards as well as DS packs. 1991 was supposed to be the first year Topps introduced all plastic wrapping. I suspect they used both wax paper wrapping and then switched midstream.

However, all the DS packs I have (perhaps 12) all have wax paper wrapping. Youtube videos of people unwrapping 1991 regular issue packs appear to show all plastic wrapping; opening DS packs appears to show wax paper wrapping. Admittedly, I have not gone through all of the videos. I always assumed Desert Shield packs were made at the end of the 1991 print run. If that was the case why wouldn't they be all plastic?

Got me curious now - check your collection of unwrapped packs & please chime in with what you have or what you know about packs! Thanks

Z Wheat

[ALR-bishop]

Zach---I think ( not sure) it was in 1991 that Topps switched to plastic from wax, and did it during the year, so that for the regular cards, both wax and plastic packs can be found. I have 4 unopened boxes ( to get a full set of the box panel cards and because there were older cards in inserted in 91 packs). All 4 boxes are wax. I bought them early.

I have a set of the DS cards and what I believe is one unopened pack ( bought from a reputable dealer). It is wax. If someone knows a sure fire way to tell if it is a DS pack or not, would be happy to try and verify

[tulsaboy]

I have boxes and loose packs of both wax and cellophane. Have no idea about the DS cards. But I know that at some point mid year here in Oklahoma we started seeing the cellophane ones. Not near as much fun to open.

[cincyredlegs]

My understanding is there is no way to distinguish from a regular 91 Topps wax pack and a DS pack. The only sure fire way is to open it.

Mark

[Zach Wheat]

There actually is a way to eliminate it as a regular issue 1991 Topps pack; however, there is no way to conclusively prove it is a DS pack with certainty. They used 2 types of ink in the production run that are similar but not identical.

Z Wheat

[ALR-bishop]

Zach--If there is a way to eliminate it as a a regular pack, what would be left besides a DS pack ? Possible counterfeit ? In know there is different printing/ink on many 91 cards, is the same true of the packs ?