I was given 2 T206 cards. Have some questions.

[BenG76]

I only had one other T206 until today and it was graded. I was at an auction this past weekend that had a few cards and got to talking about cards with another bidder and mentioned I like the older cards and that I had 1 T206. He told me he had a couple that he wanted to send me so we exchanged phone numbers and addresses. I wasn't really expecting anything but today these arrived.

I guess my first question is should I try to lightly erase the writing on the back or leave it alone? I may actually send them in for grading next time I send a bunch. Any thoughts on how these may do? Should I even bother?

[arc2q]

You should not erase the writing. It is an interesting paradox but writing on a card -- at least writing that appears to have been done in a prior era -- garners a qualifier of "MK" but otherwise does not invalidate the card. Erasing, though, constitutes tampering and renders the card nearly worthless -- or at least impossible to grade if that is your intent.

Interestingly, I have seen similar handwriting on another card. The H in his name looks familiar. I wonder who Rosie and Lilie were and why they were given these cards?

[arc2q]

I no longer own this card -- sold it a few weeks ago. But I feel like the handwriting is the same as on the two cards you just got. And it is a name written diagonally along the upper part of the Piedmont logo. Interesting.

[BenG76]

Originally Posted by arc2q

You should not erase the writing. It is an interesting paradox but writing on a card -- at least writing that appears to have been done in a prior era -- garners a qualifier of "MK" but otherwise does not invalidate the card. Erasing, though, constitutes tampering and renders the card nearly worthless -- or at least impossible to grade if that is your intent.

Interestingly, I have seen similar handwriting on another card. The H in his name looks familiar. I wonder who Rosie and Lilie were and why they were given these cards?

Thanks. The guy that sent the cards to me is from near Ashville, NC I am in the southwest part of VA. No telling where these have been through the years. He said he got them in a collection he bought or something. Either way I am happy to have them. I would only grade them when I send in some cards on one of the $5-$6 specials when I send a bunch of others.

[Howe’s Hunter]

So, was the person sending a middle-man, and sending on behalf of someone's whose name starts with an H:

"Rosie/Lily, I send you this from H???"

or is he/she the person who is actually gifting the card:

"Rosie/Lily, I send you this. From H????"

Of course, I'm also looking at it to see if the H is the start of Howe.

[kmac32]

Leave the writing alone!!! The only reason to have them graded would be to protest the cards from damage if you are handeling as SGC would most likely grade them as a poor 10 cards. I have all my cards graded for display but truthfully I really do not care what grade they are as long as they display well.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by arc2q

I no longer own this card -- sold it a few weeks ago. But I feel like the handwriting is the same as on the two cards you just got. And it is a name written diagonally along the upper part of the Piedmont logo. Interesting.

Looks like an early Walter Johnson signature.

[cyseymour]

from "Hanerie"???

[cyseymour]

Originally Posted by runscott

looks like an early walter johnson signature.

lol

[cyseymour]

P.S. I don't think it is the same handwriting as Andy's card... cool card though. Definitely don't tamper with the back... it looks cool with the writing.

[BenG76]

Originally Posted by kmac32

Leave the writing alone!!! The only reason to have them graded would be to protest the cards from damage if you are handeling as SGC would most likely grade them as a poor 10 cards. I have all my cards graded for display but truthfully I really do not care what grade they are as long as they display well.

I wont mess with the writing. I didn't even think about using an eraser as altering them. Now I know. I would grade them mainly to have them in the holders for protection.

[grainsley]

I agree .......leave it, it is part of the story of the cards.

[t206blogcom]

I wouldn't erase the text as it's part of the history of the cards.

Also, I wouldn't waste your money on grading these. Don't see the point given neither would grade high, unless you just like the look of a graded card. Even if you were trying to sell them, grading still doesn't make sense.

Neat cards; thanks for sharing.

[t206hound]

Originally Posted by t206blogcom

I wouldn't erase the text as it's part of the history of the cards.

Also, I wouldn't waste your money on grading these. Don't see the point given neither would grade high, unless you just like the look of a graded card. Even if you were trying to sell them, grading still doesn't make sense.

Neat cards; thanks for sharing.

I agree with Jason on all counts; leave the writing. Even if erased, the technical grade is going to be very low. Really no point in getting these graded at all IMHO.

[T206Collector]

I disagree. Buy a nice art eraser from Staples and gently erase the writing. It would not lower the the technical grade with either PSA or SGC. Most people on here do not consider erasing pencil or soaking glue with water off a T206 as an impermissible alteration. There was a poll on this not too long ago. PSA and SGC are also fine with both practices.

If you choose to sell them eventually, they'd be worth more with less obvious writing.

Either way, enjoy the cards!

[Luke]

I think the writing adds some cool provenance to the cards. Also, don't separate them if you can help it. I also agree that there's no point in grading them, unless you really like having your cards in uniform holders. If you decide to sell them, I'm interested.

[Theo_450]

Originally Posted by LukeLyon

I think the writing adds some cool provenance to the cards. Also, don't separate them if you can help it. I also agree that there's no point in grading them, unless you really like having your cards in uniform holders. If you decide to sell them, I'm interested.

I agree. Here are a few with pencil names on the FRONT. I know the story of these cards, and I know that those were the names of the boys that were trading them way back then.

[geor952]

Your cards are outstanding and I think the writing adds to them. I am biased, as I go out of my way to buy cards with rubber stamps or period writing. Let me know if you decide to move them. For now, enjoy your growing T206 collection!

[egbeachley]

Originally Posted by BenG76

I would grade them mainly to have them in the holders for protection.

or put then in a penny-sleeve and top holder and use the grading fees saved to buy another T206. Unless you use your cards as dog-toys they will be protected.