Zenopus wrote in Holmes basic set box bottoms: CK, what do you observe for the box materials with the box bottoms you listed above? When does the transition occur from uncoated/grey cardboard to coated/white cardstock-like material occur?
This is what I've noted from my Holmes box sets, there are 4 different box materials used. They are the early brown cardboard, white cardstock-like, off white cardstock, and a "grey" cardstock material. I'll list the printings and materials as found in my sets. Once again, I'm sure there was plenty of mix and match as they went along.
True 1st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th print: Brown cardboard top and bottom
4th+: Brown cardboard top and bottom
White top and brown bottom
White top and bottom
5th: Off white top and white bottom
6th: Brown top and bottom
White top and bottom
Off white top and bottom
7th: Brown top and bottom
White top and bottom
Off white top and brown bottom
Grey top and bottom
Mike