A Question to Ponder
 

Hi all....I'm starting what everyone loves...yes, another t206 thread! So, today my question actually pertains to American Beauty cards. Since the card was cut smaller than the standard t206 size, do you think some people have had better chances at trimming American Beauty cards and getting away with it? It's always something that's been on my mind. Obviously TPG will always check for trimming, but is there that slight chance were they have a better chance at succeeding, since the American Beauty cut was smaller? I know there are plenty of A (authentic) graded slabs with American Beauty cards....but it was worth the thought.

I wonder if any of you have ever thought the same.

Best regards,
Wazoo

I would think that it is well documented there's a variance with the AB back and that each card looked at under magnification would be given the same treatment as far as looking at the edges for evidence of trimming, irregardless of the back.

Nice Waz,

I would think if you could find a sheet cutter from 1909 and tried to trim one and then slowly wear the edges a bit, stain the etc it may work.

Not my card but this shows that the cards were in fact double cut, notice that some of the letters are missing and not just split.

http://i.imgur.com/QQMzTZK.jpg

I actually think they are less susceptible to being trimmed, just because there is less border in the first place. Oftentimes it is difficult to find these cards with decent borders on each side, and if you trim them to further reduce or eliminate the border the card looks less attractive nonetheless. I think collectors have a good eye for how much "total border" an AB card should have and would be highly suspicious if both sides looked cut too close to the border.

Although I have only dabbled in t206 :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:, I do prefer AB backs for this very reason--it is not unnatural to see them look skinny and I think I can/could spot when they are too much so.

This gives me an excuse to post one of my favorite cards, which conflicts me as I wonder if I should sell while the back craze is strong or hold:
[IMG]http://photos.imageevent.com/imoverh...t206tinker.jpg[/IMG]

To me it seems like it would be real tough to trim this to improve appearance.

Beautiful card! Thanks for all the comments guys!

I agree with Todd on his point that most AB cards, due to their already narrow size, are less susceptible to being trimmed. With that said there are a number of large border AB's. These cards are almost the same size as a common T206 and could be trimmed left to right. This would be akin to the "jumbo" T206's with common backs many think could be or have been trimmed.

http://t206resource.com/Images/Ameri...Variations.jpg

I believe also that because they are already cut narrow that trimming would not be done and if it was, it would be noticable. It would be interesting to know what percentage of American Beauty's are at the normal T206 size. It can't be much so I believe the chances of one being trimmed and passing TPG would be rare. I personally don't worry much about this because I tend to collect VG-EX and below so professional trimming doesn't worry me since they are looking to make a card NM+. I don't have any normal size T206 American Beauty's but I do have one T205 at a normal card size.

http://www.ronaldkornacki.com/t205-t...reen-front.jpghttp://www.ronaldkornacki.com/t205-t...green-back.jpg

I am not all that familiar with the T205's, but is it the same situation with AB's as the T206 set (some cut narrow, and some regular card size)?

Thanks-

Sincerely, Clayton

Yes Clayton, it is the same with the T205's. I think its a little easier to find a T205 without the narrow cut than it is with T206's. I'm not sure why but this is what i've noticed. The T205 Tony Smith I posted is without the narrow cut. You can see how it fills the PSA holder side to side completely.

you see ABs at normal size and many that are normal are the 350 no frames.

take note of the McQuillan above