Would you destroy a trimmed card?

ILTBOC2 · #1 10-09-2013, 03:57 PM

Thanks to everyone for your responses! I figured it would be an overwhelming majority to "keep" the cards "alive" and not destroy them. I'm glad to see that is the case. To me, whether trimmed or not, these cards are works of art that need to be cared for so future generations can enjoy them as we have.

drcy · #2 10-09-2013, 04:39 PM

I've thrown out cheap modern cards that were deceptively trimmed-- literally dropped them in the trash can. I've also sold more expensive trimmed old cards, while very clearly detailing with pictures the trimming.

I once had a Mint 9 graded 1970s Nolan Ryan card (grading company name withheld, though it was a big one) that was clearly and obviously trimmed on the bottom. A near first grade scissors cut! I sold it on eBay in the holder, and very clearly detailed the trimming. Included a big picture showing how the bottom was trimmed. Someone won it. Perhaps he was building a graded set.

So I have no set rule for selling trimmed cards-- other than, of course, good disclosure and candor at sale. My number one concern is that an innocent buyer down the road doesn't get burned. If a T206 Ty Cobb is soiled, mangled and hacked and sold on eBay as 'Grade Poor Minus Minus,' no one is going to get deceived about the grade. No one down the road is going to get fooled into thinking it's a Mint 9. However, if the card is deceptively trimmed and buffed to look like new, that's what concerns me.

I've seen many Pre War cards that, even if they weren't trimmed, they'd still grade a Poor Minus. I once had a grouping of 1933-5 Goudeys that I called the Devil's Coasters, because they looked as if the Devil had used them as coffee cup and beer coasters in Hell for 50 years. Stains, trimming, tape marks, writing, take your pick. I laugh now remembering them. Existential wear. Disclosure of trimming was a minor detail on a long checklist. The sad part is the Devil's Coasters collection included Ruth, Gehrig, Fox and more.

GasHouseGang · #3 10-09-2013, 06:23 PM

There's no way I could bring myself to throw out a card that looked like this just because it was trimmed.

auggiedoggy · #4 10-10-2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasHouseGang

There's no way I could bring myself to throw out a card that looked like this just because it was trimmed.

If you ever want to throw out that card I'd be happy to take it off your hands.

ls7plus · #5 10-12-2013, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILTBOC2

Thanks to everyone for your responses! I figured it would be an overwhelming majority to "keep" the cards "alive" and not destroy them. I'm glad to see that is the case. To me, whether trimmed or not, these cards are works of art that need to be cared for so future generations can enjoy them as we have.

There's another factor potentially lurking in the wings here...Did you see the restored T206 Plank in the inaugural REA fall auction? If worn corners can be built back up by adding paper fibers, presumably trimmed edges can also. IMHO, restoration is coming to the hobby in a big way, and will be accepted if, as has been discussed in this forum, it is "transparent." My personal opinion is that,over time, it will become quite worthwhile to have very scarce to rare trimmed cards restored, and their desirability thereby increased.

Regards,

Larry

PS: David, that's a beautiful Anson!

Leon · #6 10-17-2013, 08:34 PM

I certainly wouldn't destroy a trimmed or altered card. As for restoration, not something I am into for cards too much. There could be exceptions but as a rule, I think I usually prefer them as natural as possible. To each their own as long as there is transparency. Altered cards seem to be more acceptable nowadays, so there ya go.

Cardboard Junkie · #7 10-17-2013, 10:41 PM

To me an altered/trimmed card is already destroyed.

brianp-beme · #8 10-18-2013, 08:28 AM

I am the type that collects just the end panels of T202 cards, so I think I am required by law to indicate that I would not destroy a trimmed card.

Brian

CaramelMan · #9 10-18-2013, 01:39 PM

if it ok to restore a Van Gogh, then it will eventually be ok to restore a Card (without having its value drop in the process)..

and Old vintage Cars are restored and their value increase....

so, I think the writing is on the wall, and the REA PLANK may set the stage...

ullmandds · #10 10-18-2013, 01:43 PM

double post

ullmandds · #11 10-18-2013, 01:44 PM

Based on the current bidding on the REA plank... I don't see any movement towards vintage card restoration anytime soon! I would think it will take an influx of new collectors not turned off by card alterations for this type of movement to occur.

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