1959 Topps Salesman Sample question

[hcv123]

Al,

Yes, I have the pinup sticker. I also have pin up proofs. The sticker is different in that it is printed on sticker stock similar to the 68 pirate and red sox stickers and 1968 Action all star stickers. Likely an unissued test.

Dave,
As far as I know, no difference in the size of the cards, but the boxes are different - most strikingly from 1960-1962 where there are different color combinations. The photos I am attaching only include part of the box - enough to see some of the differences. Also interesting at least as far as Clemente goes - the 25 piece boxes are much tougher from 1963-1967, but in 1962 his 25 piece box is the "easy" one.

[toppcat]

Thanks Howard-I've always been amazed there was a 20 and 25 count each year, it seems like such a small difference!

I am thinking more and more that Clemente poster sticker was from an in-house Topps mockup for a management pitch and it would not surprise me one bit if it was for what became Action All Star Stickers.

[hcv123]

I was thinking it was also possible that it was a precursor to the 1967 Pirate/ red sox sticker issue. Mock up as opposed to test seems right as I have not seen nor heard of another one existing. I have also asked some of the most advanced collectors and dealers who too have not seen another. In any case a true and coveted gem in my collection - comes with a great back story too - A guy I befriended through a shared love of Clemente who I got to know when I did shows in Pittsburgh found it for me!

Larry enlightened me about the different size Bazooka boxes. The information has kept the collecting candle flickering for me as I have almost every other known Clemente item that I want. Highly interesting to me is I have owned or own both size Clemente Bazooka boxes from 1962, 1963 and 1967 - '63 and '67 being incredibly tough boxes in any size, yet I have never seen a 25 piece box for 1964, 1965 or 1966 - '65 and '66 being 2 of the "easiest" (of the 20 piece variation) to find. As far as I know there was only 1 size in 1968 and 1971.

Dave, do you own any complete 1960 boxes?

-Howard

[Exhibitman]

Best looking sample cards ever, IMO:

[ALR-bishop]

Great item Adam

[divot]

I posted a few days back, asking if anyone has ever seen this particular Salesman Sample from 1960, which I own? I was unable to upload a photo at the time, but now I can, so here it is:

!cid_image001_jpg@01CF6AD1.jpg

[toppcat]

Howard-I don't have any intact boxes and only a couple of panels are in my type run right now. I am just now getting serious about Bazooka items, I really like how the intact panels look.

Adam-agree 100% with your assessment!