Holsum Goodness

I took a drive with my brother to the latest card show last weekend.  This show wasn't as well attended as the prior week's shows, which I didn't mind at all.  I was able to dive into a few boxes and actually make a couple tours around the place to make sure I didn't miss anything.  I brought enough cash to do some damage to the budget and landed several nice additions.  In fact this show was one of the best yet for me. 

I actually went OVER budget when I saw this:

Sweetness!  That's a 1978 Holsum Walter Payton, and a card I had never seen in the wild before.  Despite the centering, the card is in great condition with a clean surface and really nice corners.  Note the Jersey number Walter is wearing.  

Here's a look at the back.  Clean and centered nicely.  I like the high contrast bright back.  This card was one of the highlights of my weekend and will have space reserved for it in the goody box.

Another Holsum find!  This is the 1977 version.  The Voigt and Siemon are a bit rough.  If anyone has an upgrade hit me up!

Topps had a thing for headshots in the 70's as this card really looks close to Rashad's standard issue.  

Here's another look so you know what I mean.  Heck, these two Sammy White shots may have been taken within moments of each other.

A couple of key players for the Vikings back in the 70's.  I really like the simple design and you may have noticed there is no logo for Holsum.

In case you're curious.  A look at the back side of the 1977 Holsum cards.  Both years have a quiz on the card and some bulleted highlights of the player.

If you kept track that's only 10 of the 11 Holsum Vikings that were issued in 1977.  I still need to find the Krause.  At least that won't set me back like the Payton did.

The 1977 set was a regional set issued in the midwest and features only Packers and Vikings.  I'm not aware of a separate checklist card (not sure one exists).  I vaguely remember cards issued with a loaf of bread back then (mostly Wonderbread), and even if I had managed to collect some, they may not have survived my childhood.  

1977 Holsum cards are easy on the pocketbook, and at least for me have been somewhat hard to find.  While none of these would be considered "high grade" that doesn't make them any less cool.  

The 1978 set however, will put a dent in the budget.  Holsum dropped the regional theme and issued a card for each team (33 cards total with multiple Vikings and Packers).  I'm not sure I'll chase the set, but I won't turn away any if I see them again.