Possibly trimmed cards - thoughts?

[steve B]

Originally Posted by G1911

Which is why the first seven words very explicitly and unequivocally state “there were no factory sets in 1971”, before filling in with what is probably being referenced by the seller.

A complete set bought in 71-72 would almost certainly have come from a seller like Fritsch and assembled from vending. Cards from vending boxes are often a bit undersized.