Since I had my Holmes sets out for the blue books, I took a look at the box bottoms as well. I found 7 different variations. I'll list them close to their respective sets listed here, but I'm sure through the mix and match years they could have many different combinations of contents.

True 1st: * blank

1st and 2nd print: * shows all contents
                          * bottom left statement has four lines:
                             -dungeons & dragons game book
                             -dungeon geomorphs, set1: basic dungeon
                             -monster & treasure assortment, set1: levels one to three
                             -polyhedra dice set
                   
3rd print: * (TM Reg. app. for) removed
              * bottom left statement has same four lines

4th and 4th+ print: *shows blue book, 5 dice, B1 pre production print, box top
                            *wizard logo
                            *bottom left statement has 3 lines:
                              -dungeons & dragons game book
                              -complete introductory module, "in search of the unknown"
                              -polyhedra dice set

5th and 6th print: *shows blue book, B1 pre production print, box top, NO dice or chits
                          *bottom left statement has two lines:
                            -Dungeons & Dragons game book
                            -complete introductory module, "in search of the unknown"

7th- : * shows rearranged blue book, box top, B2 pre production module, chits
        *bottom left statement has three lines:
          -Dungeons & Dragons game book
          -complete introductory module, "the keep on the borderlands"
          -randomizer chits

7th: *shows same as 7th-
      *bottom left statement has three lines:
       -Dungeons & Dragons game book
       -complete introductory module, "the keep on the borderlands"
       -randomizer chits bound in game book


I'll post some pictures later

Mike

4th, 4th+
5th, 6th
7th-

edit: I realize there is no 7th- print listed in the basic set description. I labeled this one that way to avoid going into the 8th print which changes to the magenta box

Great stuff, CK!

I have three boxes handy here, and the bottoms match the following:
-3rd print box bottom. This definitely came in a set with a Lizard Logo lid and a 3rd printing of the rulebook, Geomorphs and the M&TA. A 3rd printing Basic Set.
The insides of this one (both box bottom and the top) are uncoated (gray) cardboard.

-4th/4th+ box bottom. This came with a Wizard Logo lid, a 2nd edition rulebook, printing with prices on the back cover, B1 is $5.49; a B1 module; and the set of 5 dice. A 4th+ print Basic Set. The insides of this one (both box bottom and top) are white-coated cardboard (i.e., resembles what I would call "cardstock")

-4th/4th+ box bottom. I *think* this one came with a 3rd edition rulebook with chits stapled in and no module, which suggests it was a later Frankenstein. Also, the box top appears different from the one above: it's uncoated cardboard on the inside instead of white-coated cardboard. The color is also quite different, much darker than the 4th+ print. So I think the lid is from a different printing than the box bottom.

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?

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?

Excellent question!

It took me a while to figure this one out. Anyone recognize it?

sauromatian wrote in Holmes basic set box bottoms:
Sure, it's described at Odd Items

It was only the last page. Confused me at first.

sauromatian wrote in Holmes basic set box bottoms:
&nd is there an easy way to enlarge the pictures, beyond the slightly larger size obtained by clicking on them? It would be nice to be able to read these fairly obscure documents.

Magnifying glass in top left corner enlarges the picture further.

ShaneG.

Another basic box set find. I really enjoy finding stuff like this:

sauromatian wrote in Holmes basic set box bottoms:
Sure, it's described at Odd Items

I have one of the 4-page Understanding D&D/What is D&D All About flyers that came with a Basic Set I found on Ebay.

I think it's the only place I've seen the term "Dungeon Mistress" used.