Even though they’re virtually worthless and you can still find sealed cases of these things, 80s and 90s sealed non-sport wax still hits hard. The graphics and colors of the packs are what do it for me, along with the nostalgia of the subjects. I gotta upgrade that Close Encounters pack. That one is a little rough and one of my all time fav movies.

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