Buying a Raw 1959 Topps Mickey Mantle, SGC "NO", & Dealer Responsibility

[mintacular]

Originally Posted by Eric72

Did you measure the card (or compare it to a known full-sized '59 Topps example) before purchasing?

No, somehow I think breaking out a ruler at a show would not go over well. Here is the card in question.

[Huck]

Originally Posted by mintacular

No, somehow I think breaking out a ruler at a show would not go over well. Here is the card in question.

Back in the 90's at Tuff-Stuff shows, I saw a few collectors break out small tailor rulers and jeweler loupes. The practice went over fine. Now that I have two cards picked up raw at those shows and graded as "evidence of trimming" and "minimum size req", I wish that I had measured the cards. That is the rub, I can't say the dealer knew, but I can't rule it out either. If a dealer objects, simply move on to another dealer.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by mintacular

No, somehow I think breaking out a ruler at a show would not go over well. Here is the card in question.

I tend to use a card (measured at home) to compare a potential purchase to. There are plenty of dealers out there. If someone is uncomfortable with me inspecting a card for alterations, I just move on.

[Beercan collector]

I don’t like the top border - Too much discoloration and fatness for perfect 90° corners

[chalupacollects]

Originally Posted by mintacular

No, somehow I think breaking out a ruler at a show would not go over well. Here is the card in question.

Not sure why not? I've done it plenty of times. Never had s dealer object. If one does it would certainly trigger a spidey sense thought...

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by chalupacollects

Not sure why not? I've done it plenty of times. Never had s dealer object. If one does it would certainly trigger a spidey sense thought...

Yes... nothing wrong with that!

[perezfan]

In looking at the card, even if unaltered, there is no way it would merit a "5" under PSA and SGC's absurdly tough new standards. 6-8 years ago... perhaps. But not today. With those corners, you'd be lucky to get a "4".

[Vintagedeputy]

Originally Posted by mintacular

No, somehow I think breaking out a ruler at a show would not go over well. Here is the card in question.

I have a 4 inch clear ruler, and a lighted magnifier on a lanyard that I carry with me everywhere from card shows to antique stores and I apologize to no one for using it.