A useful marketing tool used by Topps from 1952 to 1957, Salesman Samples were mailed and hand distributed to their vast network of jobbers (wholesalers), direct markets - large and small - and consolidators, all of whom would receive these small panels in advance of a new release.  Primarily associated with their Baseball cards, Topps would include some ad copy on the reverse usually paired with a sample back from the issue being repped.  Salesman Samples are prized today for their scarcity, visual appeal and oddball character. 

Topps mostly used cards from the first series on the Baseball samples and this one oddly managed to include a checklist! The back has a sample of the Maris reverse, his 1960 AL MVP award no doubt still gleaming in the eyes of Topps brass.  A vertical fold is present, as area lower left corner crease and some light soiling off to the lower right and the condition is roughly Good. The reverse shows similar soiling. This is a colorful example of a scarce Topps item.