OT-Authentic Trimmed or Authentic Restored

[Taxman]

Note prior to being restored the card was altered-trimmed. Which would you rather own?

Before



Now

[ullmandds]

Seeing as valuewise...both cards have lost most...id prefer the restored one...raw!

[bbcard1]

agreed. Restored raw.

[freakhappy]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

agreed. Restored raw.

Me three! But I'd like it to be slabbed for the purpose that everyone knows it has been restored. I know someone could bust it out of the slab but at least it's one way to help the hobby.

[Matthew H]

I might've just had the tape removed, the creases don't look that bad to me. Still looks good though, nice job!

[Paul S]

Tough call. I'd argue with the ump.

[4815162342]

Since there's a gazillion of these out there, I'd just find another.

[2dueces]

Nice looking card after the alteration. I'd be happy to own for my collection.

[Jcfowler6]

How'd you do it?

[glynparson]

but unlike many prwar cards i think there are a gazillion and a half people looking for that card. Especially cheap with good eye appeal.

[drc]

The crease doesn't bother me, but one thing I don't like is darkened tape marks on the front of a card.

The restored card does look nice and the restorer did an impressive job, I won't argue otherwise. But when it comes down to it I'm down to it I'm not a fan of restoration. Personal taste.

To be honest, I'd pick neither. Unless the price is right

Making my decision I did take into mind that the card is relatively plentiful and you could buy a third example, and that the restored example is probably worth more. If it was a gift and I had to chose, I'd pick the restored example just because it's probably worth more at resale. If I was purchasing with my own $$, I'd likely pick the before one in part because it would be cheaper.

As I said I'm really not a fan of restored cards, but if it was a really rare card like some rare cabinet card and the restoration removed some hideous marring (ala tape marks), I might pick the restored version. I'm not a zealot.