Grocery Wax Pack Trays from the 1970's

History 

As far as I know grocery (or wax) trays can be traced back to late nineteen fifties or early nineteen sixties. The earliest known wax tray that I have seen a photo of is from 1962 Topps baseball. These originally wholesaled for $3.42 for a case of 36 trays. Wow!! The retail price was just .15 per tray. Just think... you could have made about .05 of profit per sale back then but if you kept them until today... you could probably sell them for somewhere in the range of $2,800 - $4,000 each depending on condition

The 1970s

During the 1970s, wax trays were in their heyday. Topps produced trays for each of the four main sports although they did not always produce them for each sport every year. It is believed that Topps produced the following:

1970- BB & FB

1971- BB & FB

1972- BB & FB

1973- BB, FB, Basketball, Hockey

1974- BB, FB, Basketball, Hockey

1975- BB, FB, Basketball, Hockey

1976- BB, FB

1977- BB, FB, Basketball

1978- BB, FB, Basketball, Hockey

1979- BB, FB, Hockey (Note: there is considerable debate, based on the pricing circle and codes on the back of the trays and cello wrap, as to whether 1979 Hockey trays were produced by Topps or by a resealer)

Post 1979

The last time Topps made a Tray with a backboard and cello wrapping was for 1980 BB. Toward the end of the 1980 BB production process, Topps shifted to a cello sleeve and that was used until 1985.

If you see any cardboard trays on the market after 1980 BB, (like 1980 Basketball or Hockey) please re-read the above.

Over the near term, I will be adding some comments about volumes in the market and how to spot resealed packs. I have come to learn, spotting the fakes isn't too difficult.

In the interim, let's hear from you. What do you think about the old Wax Trays? Do you remember the stores in which they were sold? I do, I remember paying a whole 59 cents for a tray at an A&P in Westchester County back in 1978! That was paper route tip money! Look forward to hearing your thoughts.