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Posted By: Hankron

The grey ink or similar markings (cropping marks, etc) means that the photo was the actual photo used to make a picture in the newspaper. The grey ink was to make a clean background or otherwise omit bothersome details for the newspaper picture. Sometimes there was added detail-- such as outlining a player's hand or head in thin black or silver ink. Cropping marks indicate how the image was 'cut down' in the newspaper picture. Many of these types of photos were physically cropped.

Likely you can't remeove the silver (or would be tough to do). However, the marks are 'official' and often adds to the value of the photo, as it can help authenticate the photo and because some collectors like the original art for published photos.