Houndstooth Hat Trick: Turning a Classic Bear Bryant Collectible Into 100 of Them

One of the most unique trading cards randomly inserted into packs of 2011 Panini Century Collection early last month was the striking Souvenir Stamps gem that included pieces of memorabilia worn by college coaching legends Knute Rockne and Paul “Bear” Bryant as well as U.S. postage stamps honoring both men.

The swatch of Rockne memorabilia embedded into each of the 100 cards hails from a fur coat he once owned. Bear Bryant’s inclusion, however, called for something much more distinctive: One of his hallmark houndstooth hats.

We flipped our lids at the opportunity to painstakingly follow Bryant’s hallowed headwear through the production process, as one precious collectible became 100. For every sports fan and collector who ever wanted to know how a memorabilia trading card is made, clear your schedules for the next four minutes and watch this time-lapsed video that’s as truly unique as the trading card it chronicles.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeTFc9jHoXA&w=560&h=345]