The 1974 Topps Deckle Edge set remains one of the most scarce and intriguing issues of the modern era. Issued in very limited quantities around Massachussetts the cards comprised a 72-card set that were larger (2 7/8 x 5") and on heavier stock than the Deckle Edge set of 1969 but featuring a similar black-and-white photo with facsimile signature on the front. Backs can be found with white or gray stock (the white stock somewhat more scarce) featuring a "news clip" about the player with some "handwritten" info about the photo and when it was taken.The Standard Catalog makes reference to "proof versions with straight edges and gray or what backs" being known. We"re proud to have a large group of them featured in this auction including a good number of Hall of Famers. The gray backed variety this Bench is an unnumbered proof card (the Bench in the set is numbered card 71 and is one of the set"s keys) inaccurately labeled by PSA as a 1969 Deckle proof which in actuality is the only graded copy of the Bench to be assessed by either PSA or SGC.The final production copy of the bench did have the card number in the upper-left corner so it is clear that the error was recognized during the proof stage of production and the number added prior to final production (see inset photo). Of the entire group of 1974 Topps Deckle proofs featured in this auction the Johnny Bench is the only card where we have found an identifiable difference between the proofs and the final production versions.An interesting and unique example - the only graded copy currently in existence - of a pre-production proof of a Hall of Famer with a recognizable error that was corrected prior to production.