Poll: What is your opinion on the value of T206 WST (Wet Sheet Transfers)?

[MVSNYC]

hopefully no one takes offense, but they have never really done anything for me. if they were actually struck or printed in error, or over-printed, that would be one thing, but simply having wet ink transferred from one wet card to another when the sheets were stacked, is not really special or desirable to me...but to each, his own.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by MVSNYC

hopefully no one takes offense...simply having wet ink transferred from one wet card to another when the sheets were stacked, is not really special or desirable to me...but to each, his own.

Thanks for weighing in on this...I truly value your opinion here. This is a new world to me and these are uncharted waters, to be sure.

Any additional information from board members is greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,

Eric

[Ronnie73]

Originally Posted by MVSNYC

hopefully no one takes offense, but they have never really done anything for me. if they were actually struck or printed in error, or over-printed, that would be one thing, but simply having wet ink transferred from one wet card to another when the sheets were stacked, is not really special or desirable to me...but to each, his own.

I totally agree. I voted no value change. Maybe if the front of a Piedmont card had a Drum wet sheet transfer on it, then I coud see maybe an increase in price.

[teetwoohsix]

I like the WST's a lot, the heavier the better. Even better when it's a WST of another brand on the front than the brand on the back (although it's a bit of a mystery how that happens).

A really light WST is nice, but I like the dramatic ones better. I'd pay a slight premium I guess, depending on the card.

Sincerely, Clayton

[Abravefan11]

I believe there are different types of transfers and that they effect value differently. Some, like Leon's Meusel, can add a premium, while others may add nothing.

[srs1a]

I believe there are different types of transfers and that they effect value differently. Some, like Leon's Meusel, can add a premium, while others may add nothing.

I completely agree Tim. For whatever reason, I split them by "ghost images" where the front of one card ends up on the back of another and "wet sheet transfers" where the back ends up on the front. I understand that there really isn't a difference in how they were formed, but this is how I view them in my mind.

I think "ghost images" are really cool and the strong ones should command a reasonable (strong?) premium. Weaker ones like the following Street, I'm not so sure about -- maybe a very slight premium, maybe nothing.



I think "wet sheet transfers" can also be interesting when they are very strong or just curious. I liked the Johnson below because of the detail in the transfer -- but, I didn't pay a premium for it.





When it is just a hint of an Old Mill that you have to squint to see (like Joss below), then I don't think that they are particularly special.

[Forever Young]

I find it interesting all the people that voted "I simply do not care". They obviously care enough to read the thread and vote. Perhaps these people should change their grumpy pants.
I think these printing mistakes are part of history and cool even though I really don't collect cards anymore. They are obviously rarer that one without the transfer. I think that the kind of transfer makes a difference though. If it is say a complete ghost image of portrait vs paint marks, it should be of higher premium because it is "pretty".

[thecatspajamas]

Originally Posted by Forever Young

I find it interesting all the people that voted "I simply do not care". They obviously care enough to read the thread and vote. Perhaps these people should change their grumpy pants.
I think these printing mistakes are part of history and cool even though I really don't collect cards anymore. They are obviously rarer that one without the transfer. I think that the kind of transfer makes a difference though. If it is say a complete ghost image of portrait vs paint marks, it should be of higher premium because it is "pretty".

Ben,
Mine was one of the "I do not care" votes because I don't collect these and didn't want to skew the poll results with an uninformed vote. I was, however, curious as to the general sentiment, and since I couldn't see the poll results unless I voted...

[g_vezina_c55]

These wet transfer are verry cool.
For me a slight premium is corect.

[Ladder7]

Same value as a stock card. These could be a simple means for an unscrupulous fellow to cash in.

Of course it has occured by the apprentice stacking sheets after the print run. Some of the factories were hot and humid places. But also, I've seen this same effect with other carelessly stored, antique vintage ephemera.

Im certain where the temperature and humidity vary throughout the year in addition to being sandwiched, the conditions facilitated the formation of these anomalies.

Plastic surface of a 15 pocket page and back of a c1900 photo after prolonged storage:

[ullmandds]

Ive got to agree w/steve here...way too easy to "create" these...like adding a stamp to a card?!

There are definitely some freaks...like leons...like jamies...that should command premiums...

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by Ladder7

Same value as a stock card. These could be a simple means for an unscrupulous fellow to cash in.

Of course it has occured by the apprentice stacking sheets after the print run. Some of the factories were hot and humid places. But also, I've seen this same effect with other carelessly stored, antique vintage ephemera.

Im certain where the temperature and humidity vary throughout the year in addition to being sandwiched, the conditions facilitated the formation of these anomalies.

Plastic surface of a 15 pocket page and back of a c1900 photo after prolonged storage:

Steve F,

The evidence you present is quite compelling.



Thank you very much for posting this picture...It is truly appreciated - and, in my humble opinion - adds great value to this discussion.

Could T206 WST cards held by many of us be nothing more than byproducts of poor storage...well after the original printing? An interesting question, to be sure.

As always, I welcome the opinions of everyone here.

Best Regards,

Eric