Base Card Design -
Well, there really are no 'base cards' in History of Hockey, however, one card out of the four card box is exclusive to the product - and that's the artwork card. These artistic cards are gorgeous! The good people at ITG commissioned artists to paint pictures that captured some of the biggest moments in hockey history. Each card has it's own title and memorabilia piece associated with the player depicted. It's a great idea done in a classy way. When watching breaks of History of Hockey, these are the cards that I look forward to seeing the most. I was fortunate enough to actually pull out an original art card. The card is actually painted by hand. Looking closely at it I can see the brush strokes and texture of the paint and canvas. It's awesome - it's a one-of-a-kind card. Not all the art cards inserted will be hand painted, most are standard printed cards made in the usual trading card fashion. These printed ones are either numbered to 40 (silver version) or 10 (gold version). Either way, original or printed, these art cards are very sweet, and are perfect for a product like this.
Base Card Design Score (Art Cards):
9.5/10
Inserts/Game-Used/Autos -
The other three cards in the box were the ITG buy back card, authentic rookie card, and authentic certified autograph card. Since the original art card I pulled was a 'biggie', and since I believe these boxes were hand packed, the rest of the cards in the box were probably purposefully inserted to offset and even out the distribution of big hits throughout the production run - so please keep that in mind as you read my review.
The ITG buyback card was of Nino Niederreiter. Though Niederreiter has fallen off quite a bit in terms of collectibility, this jumbo jersey card of his is still pretty impressive. It came from 10/11 Heroes and Prospects. I'm a bit on the fence with this card. This card could be pretty nice if Niederreiter somehow becomes a huge NHL star... but it could just as easily just take up space in my collection if he doesn't. I think I would have been happier with a proven veteran player's autograph... but seeing how beautiful this card is... I couldn't complain too much - a big swatch of three color jersey is pretty sweet!
For my authentic rookie card I got Al Cameron of the Detroit Red Wings. I have to admit that I had no idea who this was. The card came from the 77/78 O-Pee-Chee release. Checking the price guide, I found that Cameron was unlisted... ouch! So he was definitely not a big name to pull. Examining the cards further I found that it was off-center, frayed, and had soft corners... triple ouch! The only thing going for this card was it's age... and even then... 1977... not that impressive. I have to say that this card was disappointing. It's definitely a dollar bin type card not worth the effort of getting slabbed and authenticated.
My final card was an autograph of Miroslav Frycer. Again, not a player that I had ever heard of. The autograph was PSA/DNA certified and slabbed. The card itself had some centering and fraying issues. Looking Frycer up in the price guide I again found that he, like Cameron, was unlisted. The only redeeming quality for me in terms of this card was that was of a Maple Leaf... so hopefully a Leafs fan will want to trade for it. My guess is that I would be lucky to get $5 from this card.
So like I said in the beginning, I am pretty sure my art card caused the rest of the pack to lack value... but wow... in terms of lacking value... there was definitely some value lacked here! ...especially for the price.
Inserts/Game-Used/Autos Score -
3/10
Overall Rating -
ITG's History of Hockey is what it says it is... a history of hockey, in cards. On that criteria alone, History of Hockey fulfills its namesake as it brings original art takes on great hockey moments, includes opportunities to pull vintage cards, and has an array of game-used and autographed cards inserted within. There is even the chance of pulling authentic rookie cards of Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, and Georges Vezina...
...but alas, the chances are very slim on a per box/case basis to get those particular rookie cards. Only a very lucky and select few will see those appear in their boxes. For most collectors, there will be cards of lesser known players or modern rookies (including, gasp, Upper Deck Victory ones). Because of this, History of Hockey is a HUGE RISK if you are purchasing with the idea of getting money back on your break. There are many cards within History of Hockey's checklist that could be found for under $5 on eBay or at card shows. I am sure that the allure of getting the huge rookie buybacks will be tempting to many, but being realistic, most likely the box the average collector will bust will not contain the value they are looking for. So I would urge collectors to really know what they are getting into when buying this product. I personally thinks it's a fun and exciting product to open... but I also know there is a huge risk with this product. I was ok with dropping the coin on one box... but I won't be doing another simply because of the expense versus the risk involved.
For me, it was just a roll of the dice. I like to try one of every product at least. Many products I would purchase again - with this one I have would have to hold off on at the price point it is currently at. For you collectors out there... if you're like me, I would recommend only getting one box and see what you get. It's definitely a thrill to see what lies inside a box of History of Hockey! Just don't put too much expectation on it... chance are you will be disappointed.
Overall Rating:
6/10
Watch me open up a box of History of Hockey:
An honust review. I agree this is a HUGE RISK product, For around $60 a card, wtf are we paying for? It's crap.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest:
ryannturnaa
Ehh huge risk I wouldent buy a box....... my opinion
ReplyDeleteXplodingmonkE11
As you say it a gamble but the problem is when you get cards slabbed it cost dollars say 30 to 40 for the 4 cards. Noticed how none are graded like in the past Ultimate from 03/04 I believe. There were many graded low 7's which destroyed the value even more on such a high price point. If you had not pulled the Henderson you would have been sitting in a huge hole. Congrats on the pull and where else could you pull a some of the big time rc's. I cannot think of a product out there that let you so it only for certain collectors hence it 4 various card gain a different market of the hobby. I cannot truly think of too many high end products that are not high risk when one looks at it from a flipping standpoint.
ReplyDeleteD
on
i think there just trying to get the old stuff out of the factorys but it is just way to much great review
ReplyDeletemultihabsfan31
Dr. Vincent Price is laughing all the way to the bank. People should boycott buying his products. 99.9 per cent of this stuff is a joke, and people that are buying it are the biggest suckers out there. It's flat out the biggest ripoff probably ever made.
ReplyDeleteI really don't think that this is worth 200 bucks. I have seen around 95% misses and only 5% hits. Very risky for the money you are paying,
ReplyDelete-MrMat18033
awesome review, well done
ReplyDeleteKBCProductionsKBC
I agree to your review. There is nothing big or good that you can pull of this box. Only thing that i like is that it is history of hockey!
ReplyDeleteYoutube-Irbehockey cardcolect
I don't actually like this product at all. Well, the art cards look cool but not even them are of absolutely top class. And if you look at your results, pulling two no-name buy back cards isn't that fun for a price of around 200 dollars.
ReplyDeleteYoutube: Majlfp
I'm more of a fan of just modern stuff but still a cool product and another great review!
ReplyDeleteYoutube: 49ersfan619
Good review, too much risk for me to buy a box, I would rather go with a product such as Superlative
ReplyDeleteYouTube - OnlyTheMagnificent
I'm confused how ITG is allowed to sell off old O-Pee-Chee cards as their own... I would have thought UD owned the rights for the old OPC franchise cards.
ReplyDeleteInteresting concept, however, I won't go out and splurge at this point.
YT - Skroeker24
just like 'cut' autographs, companies can package anything they want pretty much and re-sell it. most companies like upper deck wouldn't purchase older cards of other companies b/c they probably don't want to promote them. itg on the other hand can gain by putting these types of buy back cards from other companies in. leaf is an example of a company that does it with other sports. their best of basketball, baseball and football are great products - they did it better than itg in my opinion. people LOVE that stuff.
DeleteI think this product looks good! I haven't seen to many good buy back rookies but cloutsnchara pulled a Gretzky by back autograph!It seems that if your first couple cards aren't very great, than your art card makes up for it. That was a sweet Henderson you pulled! I'd rather one big pull than a few mediocre ones though. YouTube - capecodunicycles
ReplyDeleteNot a big fan of ITG products- YouTube: Graboguru
ReplyDeleteI really like the concept of this product. But sometimes you can really blow the box. I wish there is all good rookie instead of some terrible ones and some amazing ones.
ReplyDeleteYoutube Username- MrHockeynut77
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBeing american you wouldnt know, but that was one of the mos important times in canadian hockey history. My dad told us that all canadian schools would let the kids out early to see the summit series, or pack everyone in the gym. And Paul Henderson was the MVP for the series. That is the most valuable card ive seen pulled from that product.
ReplyDelete-BruinsMA888
Honestly i hate the buyback cards.i bet itg is just trying to get ride of old stuff. The certified auto ive seen was bourje salming and all the others were pretty bad. I guess its two bad products in a row for itg.for 200-300 bucks they should cut it down to 150.
ReplyDeleteVancanuckman1234
I really like the art cards. Everything else, not so much.
ReplyDelete- danboyle13
I would say ovarall it's not that bad of a product.
ReplyDeleteYoutube Username: mjhockeycards101
Although there may be a lot of low value cards, there is that Georges Vezina card, which has a sells for around $100'000. Even that Henderson will have a strong value, a 1/1, hand painted card with a piece of Henderson's stick will have a lot of people wanting it.
ReplyDelete-jpbboyle
Dude, You can get a decent Vezina rookie for 1,500.
DeleteAnother great product from itg once again. They nailed it. I love the buyback rookies, and how you got a chance at a bobby orr! Also love the look of the art cards. I cant wait to get a box myself, and see what i get!
ReplyDeleteYoutube username: MrMinecraft230
After reading some of the comments in here, there's no denying the hobby is doomed.
ReplyDeleteIf they wanted to give you a cheepo rookie card couldn't they at least get an Upper Deck Jagr or a Score Brodeur or something? Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteThose cards ARE in there!
DeleteI think it was a pretty cool box and the fact that you can pull these older cards in my opinion is very cool and worth it! I would get it
ReplyDeleteYoutube username: zachman598
I wouldnt get this box. I find its a hit or miss product and for 200$ i wouldnt. But you did sick!
ReplyDelete-hockeycardsftw
other then the art cards there is not much in the product for me
ReplyDelete-fuocofire13
Like everyone else, including yourself, is saying I think the art cards make the product unique. Other than that, it's really not worth buying in my opinion. It also kinda sucks that you pulled a "legend" you, and I, don't even know. But, great review nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteYT - blackhawks61895
I personally hate it. Its way overpriced. my overall rating: 4/10. - wils1573
ReplyDeleteI don't think this product is very good. It's very expensive for the risk, that is a lot of money per card. I think it is WAY overpriced.
ReplyDelete-Alissa Carlson
I'm a huge fan of vintage/history products but this product and the other history one that's big from this year (Panini Classics Signatures) are way overpriced. I just buy the bases so I won't be busting open a box but the only notable card you got here was Henderson. And if Niederreiter doesn't turn out to be a notable player then you'll have an overpriced history product with one card of a player who was actually good (and not HHOF good I should add).
ReplyDeleteI think that when it comes to vintage products, companies should stick to making stuff like Parkhurst Champions, Fleer Greats of the Game/Legacy/Throwbacks, UD Legends, Century Legends, etc and leave the high end vintage cards as hits in sets like Dominion or Prime or whatever.
They also need to do a better job of covering pre-1950s players even if it's just base cards. It's shocking how few cards stars from the 20s or 30s like Sprague Cleghorn have.
Okay, here is your REAL chance to comment on this product. Other than the first card, tell me what you really think! I pre-sale bought 2 cases. I opened them today and put them in my PB. Please reply with comments. http://s1027.photobucket.com/albums/y340/quitesomething/
ReplyDeleteThat should pay for a months worth of steak sandwiches for Price. He's laughing all the way to the bank.
Deletei think its a good product, but i belive it should be cheaper i know you can get good stuff but 9 times out of 10 you get junk
ReplyDelete81leaffan
i like it but it is risky product but it can pay off or it could kill you
ReplyDelete29Toaster
See 2 posts above! Over $2k....killed me!
Deleteyea, i wish itg did it more like leaf with their 'best of...' series. those were awesome. your 1/1 original art card was very nice though! the rest... umm...
DeleteVERY nice pull on the Summit Series... and the patch is pretty nice as well.
ReplyDeleteYoutube: CjMac270
There are no 1/1 art cards in this product. People that bought this product really had the wool pulled over their eyes. Next time just put 250 in an envelope and send it to ITG. Packs yielding 3 cards of flea market crap and a lousy jersey card. Worst ripoff ever made.
ReplyDelete