While some folks do not understand why "cardboard" sells for so much,, others of us do,, and wonder why it goes so cheaply sometimes.
Yes,, it's a cardboard box.
BUT,, it's the type of box it is,, that makes it valuable,,,,,,,,,, to collectors.
A collector likes to have an "as shipped,, original, complete package." From displays to general collecting & all,, the small items,, OTHER than the gun,, can be harder to find.
Why? Well, as many allude to,, they trash the box,, & keep the gun. That makes boxes harder to get than guns. And when you have a rarer gun,, the boxes are even rarer.
Go price a Tri-Color Lightweight,, gun.
Then,, go price either box they may have shipped in.
There were 2 different boxes,, one with a green wreath, and one with a black wreath.
Green wreath boxes,, JUST THE BOX,, collector grade,, value $1600,, while a black wreath box is worth about $900. But the guns,,, between $650 and $950.
Why? Not many green wreath boxes,, with more being black wreath ones,,! BUT,, due to buyers trashing the boxes,, more COLLECTOR value is placed on the good boxes,, than the more plentiful guns.
There are many examples of this,, but it boils down to COLLECTORS,, vs shooters.