B18 Grading Question

[rdwyer]

The Top left hand corner to the top right corner is 5 1/4". The Bottom left hand corner to the bottom right corner is 5 3/8". Was this normal? How would it grade?

http://rdwyer.250free.com/B18%20Front.JPG

http://rdwyer.250free.com/B18%20Back.JPG

[canjond]

I think the funky cut is normal on the B18 - sort of like a diamond cut on a t or e card. In terms of grading, I don't know any company other than the old GAI that grades these and I'm not familiar with the grading standards for B18. My guess would be staining would play a much more significant role in the grading than the odd cut.

[rdwyer]

Thank you Jon. Other thoughts from anyone else? Grade?

[nolemmings]

I'm pretty sure these aren't graded by anyone, other than perhaps GAI. I look for full borders all the way around on these, and I think yours comes up short--measure from the middle across and see if it makes 5 1/4" each way. It also appears that there may be stitch marks in the blanket; if so, it would grade good at best, IMO. Usually you can see the stitch holes when you hold it up to a light. If no stitch marks, I'd give it a vg/vg-ex. Nice example, though--I doubt I would grade mine even if grading was available--eye appeal trumps technical grade here.

Edited to add that the uneven cut would not downgrade it much, provided the specs were right all the way around.

[rdwyer]

Upon close inspection, I don't see any stitch marks. My guess is that the color is missing, making it look like stitching. (You can't see through, no holes or thread, etc.) The blanket measures 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 5 3/8. Middle measures 5 1/14 one way and the other measures 5 1/8.

[nolemmings]

Here is a scan of a WJ that I lost in a burglary several years ago. Note the full borders all around, although there is light pink discoloration along the home to firstbase line:


To me, full borders are the best attribute, and less than 5 1/4 throughout would downgrade. As for grading, IMO fraying or severe staining would be the worst defect. These also suffer from poor registration, fading, product/other staining and centering.

[GehrigFan]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

I'm pretty sure these aren't graded by anyone, other than perhaps GAI.

BVG will grade these.

[nolemmings]

that's good to know, although it appears they do not list that set among the cards they grade:

http://www.beckett.com/grading/lists/bb.asp