W517 Strip Cards size question

[TT40391]

Hello everyone. I have a question about the size of the large W517 strip cards. Scans on the internet often make these cards look like small squares but aren't they close to a postcard in size as apposed to a small little square? I ask because someone has a raw W517 for sale that I would like to buy but I am new to the set and would like to make sure it roughly measures up properly. So I guess I am asking do the W517 cards look close to the size of a standard 3x5 postcard for example? Thanks

Tony Turner

[DaveW]

The W517 cards are 3x4 - postcards are more like 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 (I think).

[timelord]

Tony, this website is a good reference. Check it out.
http://www.oldcardboard.com/w/w517/w517.asp?cardsetID=821

[TT40391]

Thanks for the tips guys. If I decide to buy it I will ask the seller to let me measure the card and see if it is close to 3X4. I know since they are hand cut they could have extra border or less boarder if they are miscut right?

Tony Turner

[docpatlv]

Tony,

Be careful purchasing these, they have been reproduced.

The W517s also have a miniature version which are tough to find.

Mike

[DaveW]

These were made in vertical strips of 3 cards, so they are only hand cut on
the top and/or bottom. The reprints have a "W517" printed in the bottom
border, so if they are cut too short on the bottom, they may have cut the
telltale sign off. There was a dotted line between cards to show where to cut
and you can sometimes see part of that left also. Good luck - it's a great set.
- Dave

[David W]

Here is a thread from last week on the W 517's

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=133968

[paul]

The honest reprints have W517 printed on them. Counterfeits were made that are full size, well cut, and have no W517 printed on them. Bob Lemke is an expert on them.

[TT40391]

Thanks for the info David. I think with all of this information I will be able to tell if it is real or fake now. This great information is why I waited to buy the card until I could get all this info to see how to tell if it is real. I love this board.

Tony Turner

[fkw]

The back (card stock) is the easiest way to tell if its authentic.

There are actually more fakes in circulation than authentic cards so its risky buying them blind, and like others said there are a few different kinds.
The "W517" printed on 1 type of reprint can be scuffed off easily too, so you would want to look for any signs of wear to that bottom corner just under the border line.

Good luck, show scans when you get it :)

[TT40391]

Thanks for the additional info guys.

Tony