Next installment of the Topps hockey “master” collection, consisting of an unopened pack, wrapper, and display box from each issue. This time from 1957.

Topps took a 3 year hiatus from hockey cards after 1954, coming back in ‘57 with “standard” size cards. I’ve been fortunate enough to own several wrappers and packs of this issue throughout the years, but the display box was a very tough find.

My first true collectibles love combined two of my newfound favorites as a kid - Star Wars and trading cards! I remember opening so many of these packs growing up. I still have my original set, plus quite a few packs I kept unopened. These cards are a great reminder of my youth.

Next installment of the Topps hockey “master” collection, consisting of an unopened pack, wrapper, and display box from each issue.

1954 was the only year Topps tried the one cent variety for hockey wax packs. I’ve never seen a complete 54 one cent display box, so was very fortunate to pick up a box top at last year’s NSCC. There’s a handful of packs and wrappers floating around, but they’re much tougher to find than their 5 cent contemporaries.

One of the greatest joys of collecting is the eternal quest for the holy grail and the adventure it takes us on.

Everyone’s grail may look different, but the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of the “find” typically leads to the next quest.

I’ve accepted that the unopened Topps hockey “master” collection, consisting of an unopened pack, wrapper, and display box from each issue is virtually unattainable, but that hasn’t stopped me from looking. One day that elusive 59 wax pack or 66 test wrapper will present itself, as unicorns sometimes do.

Here’s the premier edition, circa 1954

Looking forward to building an awesome community of collectors ready to talk about vintage unopened products in the Mantel Vintage Unopened Group! I'm so excited for the opportunity to hear your ideas about how to make this the best hangout spot for waxheads on the net! Feel free to message me anytime!

First post in is the #1 pack in my PC. If the world were ending tomorrow, I'm still not opening. The best part about chasing unicorns is the adventure, and the relationships built along the way. The pursuit of this 1962 Topps Mars Attacks wax pack (at the time the only authentic example known) has all the best elements of collecting.