Topps Super

[moeson]

The Gelman owned Card Collectors Company was the major supplier of this and other test sets. They did in fact suffer a major fire, making these test sets even scarcer.

I purchased some singles from Bill Haber at one of the first NYC shows. He had them spread across a little table. There was no Mantle, but I did pick up Aaron and Clemente for about a dollar each!

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by moeson

The Gelman owned Card Collectors Company was the major supplier of this and other test sets. They did in fact suffer a major fire, making these test sets even scarcer.

I purchased some singles from Bill Haber at one of the first NYC shows. He had them spread across a little table. There was no Mantle, but I did pick up Aaron and Clemente for about a dollar each!

Thanks, Howie, for your elaboration to the "Topps fire". You make perfect sense; Topps just printed their cards in those days, and only sold to candy wholesalers/dealers. For the exotic test issues, I've heard they were available at an exclusive very few Brooklyn area candy shops, but most of all, to just whom you spoke of---Topps employee and part-time mail order firm owner, Woody Gelman. I had forgotten about Woody and his company. Obviously, fellow Topps employee Bill Haber was able to secure a few items now and then ....

Wow, Roberto and The Hammer for a buck apiece, and I still remember how nice their respective cards looked. That NYC show must have been in 1972 as well, or at least no later than 1973. Anyways, thanks again for chiming in. --- Brian Powell

[moeson]

Originally Posted by brian1961

Thanks, Howie, for your elaboration to the "Topps fire". You make perfect sense; Topps just printed their cards in those days, and only sold to candy wholesalers/dealers. For the exotic test issues, I've heard they were available at an exclusive very few Brooklyn area candy shops, but most of all, to just whom you spoke of---Topps employee and part-time mail order firm owner, Woody Gelman. I had forgotten about Woody and his company. Obviously, fellow Topps employee Bill Haber was able to secure a few items now and then ....

Wow, Roberto and The Hammer for a buck apiece, and I still remember how nice their respective cards looked. That NYC show must have been in 1972 as well, or at least no later than 1973. Anyways, thanks again for chiming in. --- Brian Powell

The show was in 1973 Brian. Bill also had the 1953 style test set, but just those two items.

I bought some 60's lots from Gelman after the fire and many cards bore evidence of fire/smoke damage.

[JollyElm]

I was a kid who got their photocopied catalogues in the mail, and always remember how they stated some of their cards may have smoke and/or water damage.

[toppcat]

Yeah, Bill Haber was a source for a lot of test issues that Topps sold on the sly.

[BruceinGa]

Thanks for sharing your recollections!
Did the fire destroy just 1969's?

[moeson]

Originally Posted by BruceinGa

Thanks for sharing your recollections!
Did the fire destroy just 1969's?

No, unfortunately it destroyed much of their overall inventory including numerous test sets. Their post-fire The Trader Speaks ads reflected the changes from what I recall i.e. test sets no longer offered or sold as damaged.