Teheuti
We can speculate all we want. If the box is an exact fit, then my theory is that Watkins received a demo copy, perhaps before the box design was finalized. But, without hearing from the person who sold it, we'll probably never know.fyreflye said:But why would Watkins sell it without the outer case - unless Patrick lost the outer case sometime during the past 40 years and has simply forgotten.
I was dating a metaphysical bookstore manager in London around 70-71, and I know the buzz was all around about the deck being available at any time. We could hardly stand the wait. I didn't see or get one until I returned to the U.S., although I was gifted by my friend with the Shambala edition of the Book of Thoth.
BTW, my Hong Kong edition was still wrapped in the original inner plastic until a couple of years ago when questions about the OTO card came up and so I finally opened mine. It's in pristine condition—brag, brag.