Thoughts on this W554 Hack Wilson?

[UKCardGuy]

I've come across this W554 Hack Wilson. It looks like a Sepia type card but it doesn't have the player text printed on the bottom. I thought only that B&W types don't have the text at the bottom so I'm wondering if it's legit.

There are those with more experience of this set than me, so I'd value your opinions. Thanks.

[x2drich2000]

Are you sure it is sepia version? The sepia can come in a wide range of toning and sometimes the Sepia and B&W versions are not easy to distinguish in images. The scan quality, settings, lighting, etc can all have a big influence on how the card looks. If you have it in hand, an easier way to tell the difference is to check the card stock. The B&W are much thinner and a more flimsy. From the image, i can't tell for sure if it is a sepia version. It is not distinctly B&W, but it also doesn't have a very strong rusty appearance either.

With regard to the type and name plates, I'm not convinced there are just 2 permutations. Attached is a comparison scan of 3 Pennocks I grabbed online. Maybe it is just the scans, but to me these look like B&W w/name, B&W w/o name, and sepia w/name in that order. That said, I'm not sure I've ever seen a W554 that was obviously sepia w/o name.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I'm with DJ, I think it's B&W

[UKCardGuy]

Thanks Scott and DJ. I've asked the seller to do some checks. When he holds it between his thumb and forefinger, it doesn't bend. The cardstock is consistent with a sepia version.

I've had him provide me other photos and they seem like a sepia version to me. Anyone seen a sepia W554 without the text at the bottom before?

[UKCardGuy]

Here's a better photo....

[Leon]

I don't think there is any doubt it's real.

[UKCardGuy]

I thought I'd follow up on this now that I have the card in hand.

The card is a B&W version that has faded to look more like a sepia version. The card stock is the same as my other B&W W554.

Thanks for help everyone.

[x2drich2000]

Gary, thanks for the update. That last photo is a great demonstration on what to look for and how to confirm the B&W versions. Still begs the question, has anyone ever seen a sepia version w/o name?

[NiceDocter]

I bought a Ruth and a Gehrig about 30 years ago from a guy in NY.... Paid $425 for the pair, his letter he sent said that on closer inspection the Gehrig had problems including no name at the bottom...... so he sent me 5 other W554s including Cochrane and Simmons to make up for it. I always thought the Gehrig was OK as printed since it was the same size as the others. Just went and looked and yes it is a B/W and took it out of the holder and its thinner than the others. 30 year mystery solved! Thank you....