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Joe_G.As Jay, I, and others have shared, it is well known that the Old Judge cards originate from 24 image/card uncut sheets arranged in a 6 x 4 matrix. If not careful when cutting into 24 individual cards, it was quite possible for Goodwin & Co. to cut into the neighboring card. We sometimes see very large Old Judge borders with no evidence of the neighboring card such as the Gruber below. This can easily be explained as a card that was on the perimeter of the uncut sheet (in the case of Gruber, a bottom row card). Other times, such as with the Mack, the large border catches the neighboring card. The Gypsy Queen (JCs I believe) shows the neighboring card to the side.
Expounding on the Brooklyn mini article Jay and I put together for Old Cardboard Magazine, the 1887 Brooklyn Old Judges & Brooklyn Gypsy Queen cards were treated a bit differently than others (reason explained in the article). One outcome of the special treatment was a narrower border (1887 Brooklyn cards only). This made it easier for Goodwin & Co. to accidently capture a neighboring card as seen below on the Brooklyn Gypsy Queen.
Regards,
Joe Gonsowski