vintage wax packs

[oldmarine0311]

As some of you know I have been buying a few wax packs of 1979 Topps. And they seem like a good deal most of the time, but it has me wondering and thinking (now I know why I have a headache). But it has made me wonder this.

Just how do you know that the wax pack hasn’t already been broke and then glued back together? Reading some of the descriptions on eBay, the descriptions seem vague every time I reread them but it still has me wondering so I figured I would ask you guys what you think. Do you think these packs could be pre-searched? Or not?

Dave

 

[mbrown2626]

Check out this video of a guy that buys and sells wax packs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKE3tt8V77g&feature=related

He talks about people resealing packs and what to look for.

 

[Meliah]

A lot easier to reseal those older Topps packs I have heard.

 

[oldmarine0311]

thats what i was thinking too, and worried about on a couple of them, i dont know that the "seller" did it or that it was passed on to and from him but I still wonder.

 

[mrmopar]

It is a very real possibility. I'd assume a quick hit from an iron might do the trick..enough to melt a little wax to wax. Never tried it though.

Buying from a trusted source or from a known sealed case or box would be the best. Loose packs from ebay is a gamble for sure.

 

[Dilferules]

I haven't had any experience with it personally, but I remember talk of it when I first started out in the hobby in the 80's. I don't think there's any real way to know if you can't look at the pack in person. If whoever did it sucked at it, you might seen burn marks or too much wax residue upon examining it in person. If you open the pack and there's a card in the middle with a wax stain on the back that's a pretty clear giveaway, but by that time it's probably too late to do anything about it except staying away from that seller in the future.
Richard

 

[valediction]

As some of you know I have been buying a few wax packs of 1979 Topps. And they seem like a good deal most of the time, but it has me wondering and thinking (now I know why I have a headache). But it has made me wonder this.

Just how do you know that the wax pack hasn’t already been broke and then glued back together? Reading some of the descriptions on eBay, the descriptions seem vague every time I reread them but it still has me wondering so I figured I would ask you guys what you think. Do you think these packs could be pre-searched? Or not?

Dave

They could VERY easily be searched. Even without messing up the seal. Opening and resealing is the fast way, and I heard some folks were very good at it in talking to dealers back in the 80's. Just pull a side flap back to see the back card. They all ran a pretty consistent pattern back then, you used to be able to buy the sequences in the SCD classifieds, or just get a box and bust it and find them yourself. I busted a case of 1988 Score back when it was new, I was digging through a box of junk from back then and I found the note I wrote myself telling me what the 4 cards following the Gregg Jefferies card were

 

[oldmarine0311]

yea i kinda figured it especially when alot of the packs had the exact same cards in them.

 

[mindbinge]

older wax packs are easily sealed with an iron...there are a few online sources that sell vintage wax that are "trusted" folks...i'd stay with one of those unless you see it come out of a sealed case yourself....that's the only way you can really be sure. just my 2 cents.

 

[Loyalty32]

From everything I have read around all the different boards, bbcexchange.com is THE place to buy unopened products. The people on the PSA boards swear by his product.

Thanks
Craig

 

[David K.]

Main reason to avoid so called unopen packs on ebay and else where....Plus unopen boxes like Pinnacle cards..tend to stick together after 10 to 15 years! Best regards, David