Holiday Rack Packs?

[ALR-bishop]

Murphy and Mathews ( see correspondence above) claimed that they came upon on a stash of them back in early 2000s. They said the cards were excess Topps cards that were obtained by a 3d party who packaged them for sale in retail stores at Christmas. I think the packs Murphy started selling originally were from 54 to 63. Later 52s and 53s surfaced.Now you see them into the 70s

Were there some packaged in the 60s or 70s or even 80s, or were all of them later creations ? I have not come across anyone who can conclusively say they bought them in the 60s or 70s or 80s at some retail store. Nor is is clear who was the original packager and how they got the cards ( from secondary market or Topps)

None of the cards seem mint, but some look to be in the 5-7 range

I find the interesting from a hobby history standpoint. Who originally packaged the ones Murphy sold, when did it occur, where were they originally sold ( if anywhere) and what was the source of the inventory used ?

There is no doubt they are still being churned out today. Is it being done by the same person(s), or a new group, or possibly multiple groups ?

I just find the lack of clarity on the origin and ongoing history of these things interesting and am surprised no one has ever come forward with the whole story, if there is one