52 Mantle - Authentic or Fake?

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by Volod

Maybe just my failing eyesight, but does the card not have untypically wide borders, both front and back?

That was the very first thing that raised a red flag for me. Then the back, which could be the angle of the camera but even then I don't think the back borders would be that much skewed (as compared to the front).

Fake. And a card like that?...all my cards are raw and I'm not even a raw v holder stickler...but if I were selling it I wouldn't shove it in a banged up scratched toploader. Also, and I can't really tell w/o a Luckey (hi Leon) quarter, but I don't think that loader is the proper size for a 52T, more like later 50's, and beyond, cards -- in other words, the top of the card would be sticking out the top of the toploader. for a Topps. And believe me, I have enough of them sticking out, which is my personal laziness, but not what I would do with a card like that, were it real.

[NateMack]

The border on the back has too large a gap on the top AND the bottom. All my 52's I looked at have small borders on the top and bottom if they are centered, and if they are not centered and have one larger border, then the opposite is very small or non existent.

I couldn't tell if it is real or fake without actually seeing the card in person, but I would be leery, very leery. Is this an online transaction? Do you live near each other to check it out in person? Is the asking price as high as it should be for such a nice card or is the seller "giving you a break" on the price? Nothing like the feel test. Also the 50s Topps cards have a pretty distinct smell.

Just my 2 cents...

[ChrisNTx]

Thanks for the info guys - it's from a very old man who wants nothing to do with grading and says he has had this for 20 plus years. Haven't seen in person yet but am going to try and get better pics out of top holder. He has all kinds of 50s and 60s cards from sets and is beginning to part with some of them. All the major fake things for type a seemed ok when i looked at scan (things lining up on back, pixel missing lower left corner, etc) just wanting others opinions

[itjclarke]

Originally Posted by ChrisNTx

Thanks for the info guys - it's from a very old man who wants nothing to do with grading and says he has had this for 20 plus years. Haven't seen in person yet but am going to try and get better pics out of top holder. He has all kinds of 50s and 60s cards from sets and is beginning to part with some of them. All the major fake things for type a seemed ok when i looked at scan (things lining up on back, pixel missing lower left corner, etc) just wanting others opinions

I vote not to give up on it yet.. especially if you can see it in person. I agree with your comment on the black border on front, it matches mine (aligment, missing pixel, little dog ear) to a T... as does the name block. The Yankee logo and bat look good too.. and I can see no discernable difference in image/color (but of course taking out of holder, seeing in higher res and/or in person and/or with loupe would make it much easier to see flaws). I don't dispute anything anyone else says, nor do I think there are not major red flags, but I'd never turn my back on it, especially if you can meet in person. It's all good as long as you don't need to give him money before doing your due dilligence. Could very well be a fake, but could be an absolute gem too.

When I purchased mine, I'd talked to seller by phone 4-5 times, met him in person at LAX, had his personal/business contact info, and received the card still packaged in box from PSA.. I had even been able to track it's shipment from them to him (He signed for it about 1 hour before catching his flight to LAX).. and I had talked to PSA while card was there. You don't have those luxuries, but long short is to take every precaution you can. However my personal opinion is also not to exclude yourself from the opportunity yet. I am very happy I was willing to withhold early judgement based on seller's low feedback total/% and crap listing photos.

Adding- Regardless, good luck!!