Crazy TV
Topps released this card set in 1968. There were 22 skip-numbered cards issued, plus variations; in addition, there were also bonus cards distributed with these (perhaps 1 to a pack?) in two sets of 22 each. Wrappers exist, but no stickers.
This small but confusing set has been an interesting game for collectors trying to figure out
its secrets. First, there are three types of the regular TV-type cards: Type 1 (example shown) features a faux-television screen on
the front, with woodgrain border, while on the back is featured a 'TV Knock-Knock' joke. Type 2 features the same front, but blank
backs. Type 3 features salmon-colored borders around the front image, as well as blank backs. The Type 1 cards are also numbered
1 to 55, while the other Types are not. This is misleading, as only 22 cards have been confirmed in the entire set: 1, 2, 4, 8,
9, 12, 16, 17, 20, 22, 28, 30, 35, 36, 37, 41, 43, 45, 47, 50, 53, and 55. This type of 'skip-numbering' can be found with some older
sets, as deceptive card companies sought to keep kids buying packs in order to get numbers they didn't already have.
In addition to these, there were also two other sets of 'bonus' cards, each numbering 22: 'Knock-Knocks' and 'Ton O' Laffs' cards presented more jokes for the buyer. (Were these distributed in smaller numbers, such as one of these to a pack?) The individual Knock-Knock cards duplicate the backs of the Type 1 cards mentioned in the previous paragraph. These cards have salmon borders on the front and black backs also. (A few cards with red borders are assumed to be Canadian issues.)
Value: Individual cards from this set are priced differently according to which Type they belong to. Type 1 cards generally go for about $15.00 each; Type 2 for $6.00 each; Type 3 for $5.00 each. Knock-Knocks and Ton O' Laffs cards generally command about $5.00 each.