Soaking ? Vintage cards stuck together - help
 

I bought several hundred cards that were rubber banded together - I guess they got damp and now are bricked together . The owner tried to yank them apart and ripped a bunch . Any thoughts if soaking will help loosen them or are they just too far gone ?
Thanks
Matt

I'd try a touch of Dawn and water. A lot of folks say distilled, but clean tap would probably be fine. might just get a few cards to separate at a time...don't force them. an exacto blade may help. if they come apart, blot on paper towels then flatten. Wax paper would probably be handy once the worst of the moisture is leached.

I'm no scientist, but have you considered putting them in the freezer for a good amount of time? If they got damp in the past and any hints of liquid are still present, the frozen ice crystals will expand, perhaps helping your efforts along. Did I mention I'm not a scientist??

What types are these (T206, Goudey's etc)

i would at least try warm water in a sink and see what happens. otherwise, worthless. its worth a try. I once had a 1927 Caramel card of Ty Cobb with a one cent stamp affixed to back, placed it in a sink of warm water, and the stamp floated to top. I sent card to PSA and got a 1 grade, but I feel that was the best thing to do. Good luck sir.