Caramel flakes....card decay ?
 

Posted By: <b>Patrick McMenemy</b><p>A relatively recent thread mentioned the fact that E98s frequently have fronts prone to flake. That thread got me thinking about other sets that are likely to be found with fronts that flake. The only other set that is similar that I'm aware of is the 1912 Zeenuts.<br /> <br />What elements do these 2 sets share that cause the fronts to flake compared to other E cards? Poor quality paper....direct exposure to caramel...higher concentration of sugar in the packaged caramel that created "card decay"....perhaps an extended period of being exposed to moisture or heat...or perhaps many were owned by a single collector, and that collection was water damaged.<br /><br />Any other sets with this problem? Any other thoughts?<br /><br /><br />Patrick

Caramel flakes....card decay ?
 

Posted By: <b>Patrick McMenemy</b><p>Here's a Hugh Smith 1912 Zeenut with the condition. My money is on a higher concentration of sugar being the culprit.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1195603123.JPG"> <br /><br />Patrick

Caramel flakes....card decay ?
 

Posted By: <b>robert a</b><p>Hi Patrick,<br /><br />I've seen it happen quite frequently with T209 and T210 as well.<br />I think the quality of the paper was a bit less.<br /><br />Rob

Caramel flakes....card decay ?
 

Posted By: <b>Rhys</b><p>The cause is usually moisture being present on the card at some point and when it later dries it does something to the adhesive. However, with T209 cards I think it was just poor paper quality.<br /><br />T3 cards are often found with front paper flaking but I think that those are usually moisture related. The same thing happens with old photos that have been exposed to water and then dried. Example below.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1195423864.JPG">

Caramel flakes....card decay ?
 

Posted By: <b>Mark T</b><p>My Father-in-law about this, he is 88 years old and worked at a Lithograph business for many,many years.<br /><br />He thinks its a combination of the ink and paper and of course how the card was stored. For example, if the card was owned in a state where high humidity is seen most of the year then that would explain the damage.<br /><br />Not an expert opinion but he is a real old-timer.