We have collected pre-WW II high grades for more than 30 years. Many of the finer specimens in our collection were acquired long-before the formal grading services were established.

Of the thousands of PSA 8 and PSA 9 cards that we have had, as well a number of PSA 6's and PSA 7's in the much tougher early E card sets, we have found only 12 cards that were trimmed. Oddly five of those cards came from one auction house, in two separate transactions. and three cards were Teletrade acquisitions.

Thanks to assistance of Rob Lifson, we were able to obtain full refunds - either from the dealer or PSA on all but two of the cards.

Accordingly, it is our conclusion that 3% of all early high grade cards might be trimmed or altered...but it should be the buyer's responsibility to review the card carefully. And, of course, consider who is selling you the card.

The cardinal rule of "trust no one" double check everyone makes a great deal of sense when one is spending upwards of four or five figures on a piece of
old cardboard.

Looking forward to many great finds at the NATIONAL.

Bruce Dorskind
America's Toughest Want List
bdorskind@dorskindgroup.com