1916 M101-5 Question:
 

My Standard Catalog lists these cards as having blank backs. I must have missed another listing as I just sent one to be graded and it has SPORTING NEWS on the back...should I expect bad news? i.e. fake

M101-5s and the closely associated M101-4s came with several different backs.

You can find a little more information here:
http://www.oldcardboard.com/m/m101-5...?cardsetID=965

You will also find a link on that page for a List of Backs (w/Rarity Details) that will detail which backs were distributed with M101-4s and M101-5s respectively.

I just found another listing:

1916 The Sporting News (M101-5)

no checklist is shown - just the following text:

(Though listed in catalogs for more than 25 years, it is now believed M101-5 cards with Sporting News backs do not exist)

I'll bet they charge me as if they graded it anyway, huh?

What was the player and card number of the one you sent in?

176- Jim Thorpe

I figure that is one that is routinely faked, huh?

My guess is it's a fake (without seeing it). Yes, it is one of the more faked ones because of the value. As for backs, there are over 20 different. OldCarboard site is very good for addressing the issue.

Since it's all over but the crying....I'll just sit back and hope that what returns will be my White Whale story...finally! LOL

Jim Thorpe does not come with a Sporting News back - M101-4 series. He is only in the M101-5 series.

Actually, to clarify,

Thorpe does not come with a Sporting News back, because Thorpe is only in the m101-5 series, and Sporting News backs are found only in the m101-4 series.