T206 Mathewson - real?
 

As my experience with T206 cards is pretty low - could I ask the collective wisdom of Net54 to opine in this T206 Mathewson. My primary consideration is whether it's real or a fake.

Thanks.

Something about it feels off, but I can't imagine someone bothering to forge an overprint / ghost as you can see the Old Mill in reverse on the front.

Send it in....
 

I'd be leaning toward authentic but would send to SGC to be sure. the stains on back seem real, the rip on front is different but could have been tape holdin the card down and they just ripped it off, off center back is a good sign, printing looks good on back, old mill ghost on front is a great sign, front seems a little grainy but it looks ok. I'd maybe share the risk with the seller and send it in!

Cool card!

Mike

I think it looks good!

Looks good to me

My wheelhouse is 1950s cards. However, I do have a few T-206s. I’ve never seen the design that this card has on its left border. It runs the card’s full length on the left side. It causes me concern. Am I missing something?

*Edit: Never mind. I realize now that I’m seeing part of the back’s border that ghosted onto the front.

Looks real. Download a microscope app on you phone and send in some close up print shots.

I think it’s real


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I think the "design" is the ghosting that the others were speaking of. It's when the ink on back of another sheet comes through to the front of one that was laid under it during the printing process.

It’s 100% real. Wet Sheet Transfer on the front (another Old Mill)...

I'm going against the stream on this one and say it's fake. The general distress of the card seems inconsistent - borders that 'dirty' and the missing paper would generally go along with more worn corners.

I'd look at the print and corners under magnification. Look for print pattern and fibers coming off the corners.

Just judging from the photos, I believe it's authentic.

Real