Posted By:
HankronI preface my comment by saying that I think GAI holdering unopened Topps packs and such is a worthwhile service, and I support their efforts in this area.
I do, however, find most amusing the holdering of cigarette packs that won't and can't contain a cigarrete card (Which so far includes about every GAI cigarette pack I've seen offered for sale). What's the point of going to the effort and expense of 'officially' holdering a cardless pack? Is someone worried that someone might stick in some fake cigarettes or switch the rolling papers for ZigZag?
Along with dubious selling techniques (of the auctioneers, not GAI), I think this is an example of collectors who think that something isn't official until it's in a holder.
My opinion-- and it's only my opinion-- is that GAI shouldn't holder these packs unless it is certain that the packs date to the 1909-11 era and have relevant factory marks.