[CW]

Originally Posted by GregMitch34

Interestingly, I see an REA write-up on a Wagner card, 1915 CJ, saying that it's graded a 6 but would be a 7 or even an 8 if not for "slight tilt" to image. Is this common assessment?

This is more likely just a common catalog write-up intended to generate interest in the card. Sure, it's possible the card would've graded higher, but it's unlikely the tilt was the sole reason in was dinged a grade or two. It is not uncommon to find a CJ card with a slight tilt (similar to the tilted image in the Mordecai Brown in the image I attached below -- not my card, btw). I avoided that Brown auction, despite everything else being beautiful on that card, because of the tilt.

I'm wondering how collectors generally view the fairly common CJ issue of images slightly "tilted" left or right. The grading companies don't seem to dock them, even on higher grade cards, but do they tend to be harder to sell and/or take a cut in value?

It's a tough question to answer, because there are different levels of tilt, and collectors will have varying tolerances for tilt.

But have you found that good cards--let's say graded 4 and above--that have pretty prominent staining get docked on price, or do most people just go with the grade?

I wouldn't say stained cards necessarily get docked on price, but collectors will pay a premium over regular market prices for a card with no staining.