Jefferson Burdick collection question
 

I did a little searching, couldn't find anything, so I figured I'd put it to the knowledgeable people here...

Is there any references in Burdick's writings (letters, etc.) that altering cards (trimming, etc.) was a "thing" back in his day? Was it a concern of his?

Thanks for any help and Leon, please add one of your cool cards to this thread. :)

I'm gonna guess it wasn't since he altered cards himself:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...ck%20stamp.jpg

Those are his ink stamps on the back.

Cool card - and yes, I've been aware of back stamps on cards, as that type of thing was done often back in that time. I'm more curious about trimming and alterations done to improve the appearance of a card.

Alterations... no. But I’m fairly certain I’ve read him lamenting on the near demise of the hobby due to profiteers in the mid 50’s.

Burdick
 

Stamped by Burdick, signed by Leifield.

https://live.staticflickr.com/8081/2...6fea0fae_c.jpg

From what I’ve seen, I don’t think it was a concern. After viewing a few exhibits from his collection, I realized that it wasn’t about the perfect card.

Collections back then were glued, tacked, taped, cut or altered to fit into a scrap book or in whatever they saw fit to save or display their cards.
Cards were banded together, tossed in drawers and wrapped in paper.

Growing up I don’t recall anyone really concerned with condition or trimming. They were just cool things to have for trade or games. I’m sure there are many on this forum who have a bike spoke story, or even remember drawing mustaches, and eyeglasses on their cards that today would be worth $$$.

Lionel Carter was obsessed with condition. Not sure about Burdick.

Burdick most likely would rather fill a hole than worry too much about condition.
Before cards were valuable I don't think old timers worried much about trimming or alterations. It was all about the card and filling the void..

https://luckeycards.com/burdick1.jpg

One of the pioneering collectors (I want to say Nagy) used to cut down cards to fit into specific sheets. There are quite a few floating around with his provenance that were trimmed to find a slightly smaller pocket.

it was also common to trim tobacco ads off the bottoms or tops of cards before giving them to the kiddies to play. Hence my N332 SF Hess Charlie Mitchell (HOF) card:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...20Mitchell.jpg