If You Started A Grading/Authentication service today...

[Phil68]

Originally Posted by conor912

I would also have a thinner and smaller slab so that having a complete graded set wouldn’t be an albatross.

I hear you there...

I have personally experimented with various molds and a holder really cannot be made smaller than PSA's without getting to the brink of compromising strength. Beckett, SGC and PSA have done a great job designing their holders (kills me to give any credit there, but they earned it). You could, perhaps, take up to 1/16" on each side which would give you almost .13" smaller both ways and still maintain a workable ultrasonic seal and still be able to holder '52-'56 and smaller (using an insert).

Each mold and horn you make requires a pretty hefty investment. Truth is, a workable new holder would look pretty different than what folks are used to and actually be a touch BIGGER. Not huge, but bigger. Each would be a virtual art presentation.

[T205 GB]

Originally Posted by Phil68

I hear you there...

I have personally experimented with various molds and a holder really cannot be made smaller than PSA's without getting to the brink of compromising strength. Beckett, SGC and PSA have done a great job designing their holders (kills me to give any credit there, but they earned it). You could, perhaps, take up to 1/16" on each side which would give you almost .13" smaller both ways and still maintain a workable ultrasonic seal and still be able to holder '52-'56 and smaller (using an insert).

Each mold and horn you make requires a pretty hefty investment. Truth is, a workable new holder would look pretty different than what folks are used to and actually be a touch BIGGER. Not huge, but bigger. Each would be a virtual art presentation.

Try using a different material for making the slabs and get away from the idea of an ultrasonic sealer. There IS a material and A WAY to seal it that will revolutionize the grading industry but you have to find it if you are planning to use it. Waterproof, UV blocker, flame retardant to over 600 degrees, unbreakable, and once sealed would require a band saw to open. The molds would require heating the sheet and press molding it so no injection molds. Could be done in your garage if you had the right stuff.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Phil68

I hear you there...

I have personally experimented with various molds and a holder really cannot be made smaller than PSA's without getting to the brink of compromising strength. Beckett, SGC and PSA have done a great job designing their holders (kills me to give any credit there, but they earned it). You could, perhaps, take up to 1/16" on each side which would give you almost .13" smaller both ways and still maintain a workable ultrasonic seal and still be able to holder '52-'56 and smaller (using an insert).

Each mold and horn you make requires a pretty hefty investment. Truth is, a workable new holder would look pretty different than what folks are used to and actually be a touch BIGGER. Not huge, but bigger. Each would be a virtual art presentation.

I guess I was thinking more about thickness than anything else. I don’t see why we can have a “slab” that’s basically a top loader with a gasket and the 4th side sealed shut. Yes it would need to be taller to accommodate some sort of flip and no it would not be as strong, but I’ve honestly never once felt like I needed more protection than a top loader. Maybe some guys toss their cards down flights of stairs....I don’t know.

[Phil68]

Originally Posted by conor912

I guess I was thinking more about thickness than anything else. I don’t see why we can have a “slab” that’s basically a top loader with a gasket and the 4th side sealed shut. Yes it would need to be taller to accommodate some sort of flip and no it would not be as strong, but I’ve honestly never once felt like I needed more protection than a top loader. Maybe some guys toss their cards down flights of stairs....I don’t know.

I like it. The cards would still display really nicely and take up far less room. The Mylar insert would be key. Paper collectibles do require more long term protection than the plastic coffins.

[Phil68]

Originally Posted by conor912

I guess I was thinking more about thickness than anything else. I don’t see why we can have a “slab” that’s basically a top loader with a gasket and the 4th side sealed shut. Yes it would need to be taller to accommodate some sort of flip and no it would not be as strong, but I’ve honestly never once felt like I needed more protection than a top loader. Maybe some guys toss their cards down flights of stairs....I don’t know.

I'll be right back...I have to do my daily card toss down the stairs...tomorrow I have a roof drop scheduled--should be interesting

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by conor912

I guess I was thinking more about thickness than anything else. I don’t see why we can have a “slab” that’s basically a top loader with a gasket and the 4th side sealed shut. Yes it would need to be taller to accommodate some sort of flip and no it would not be as strong, but I’ve honestly never once felt like I needed more protection than a top loader. Maybe some guys toss their cards down flights of stairs....I don’t know.

There is no grading involved but post 13 in this thread has something like what you are describing. http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=276726

Then if you want grading there is this. I have not seen one of their graded cards in a while. It used to be the sleeve you send cards to PSA in with a sticker across the top. They don't get the premium PSA does but there is NO WAY IN HELL they could do a worse job at grading. http://www.verisleeve.com/

EDIT: I have a complete SGC graded set and they do take up WAY too much space. I think if a honest grading company used a smaller version of what is posted in the first link it would be a giant improvement over the thick slabs that are offered now.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I have a complete SGC graded set and they do take up WAY too much space. I think if a honest grading company used a smaller version of what is posted in the first link it would be a giant improvement over the thick slabs that are offered now.

Yeah....that’s way more gasket than I had in mind, but it’s certainly close otherwise!

[Fred]

It's almost as if "regulation" of TPGs should be required.

Ensure graders are trained and know what they're looking at.

Only allow highly qualified graders to assess high value cards. These highly qualified graders would "register" as an expert and be provided with a "grader ID" number.

The graders name would remain anonymous in the event some type of legal assessment was being weighed. At least the collecting public could see a pattern if one were to emerge with a specific grader. It also adds a little credibility to the TPG. The thought is that if the TPG has to keep things transparent then having people accountable may actually produce a more "realistic" TPG that is actually not associated with "sales" or potential sales.

Kind of hard to believe there isn't something going on today with all the crap we've seen in the past few years.

Bottom line, there needs to be accountability in the TPGs.

[Phil68]

Originally Posted by Fred

It's almost as if "regulation" of TPGs should be required.

Ensure graders are trained and know what they're looking at.

Only allow highly qualified graders to assess high value cards. These highly qualified graders would "register" as an expert and be provided with a "grader ID" number.

The graders name would remain anonymous in the event some type of legal assessment was being weighed. At least the collecting public could see a pattern if one were to emerge with a specific grader. It also adds a little credibility to the TPG. The thought is that if the TPG has to keep things transparent then having people accountable may actually produce a more "realistic" TPG that is actually not associated with "sales" or potential sales.

Kind of hard to believe there isn't something going on today with all the crap we've seen in the past few years.

Bottom line, there needs to be accountability in the TPGs.

I'm astonished this isn't already in place. Seems like the grader ID would be in place since Day 1

[1952boyntoncollector]

i'd have a card database (owner registry) so the same card couldnt be sold on the market if a person can verify if the serial number is already owned by someone else who isnt selling it...also avoids fraud...

id also have a a 'best of the best' card award...