Cracking out a PSA graded T3

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Posted By: Scott Gross

Just had a very sucessful transaction with Keith O'Leary for a beautiful T9 Abe Attell. It was graded Auth by PSA due to some top border "irregularities." Anyway, my T9 collection (11 of 26) is all raw, and even though the PSA holder looks nice, I though I'd give cracking a shot. I've cracked out regular GAIs with their "wrap-around" holders, and this is just a extra sturdy "wrap-around."

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING IS NOT FOR THE SQUEEMISH OR FAINT-OF-HEART

Tools:
1 -- Hammer
2 -- Flat headed screw driver
3 -- Hard wood kitchen floor

Porcedure:
1 -- Place holder face down on floor
2 -- Hold screw drived up-right on a 45 degree angle about one inch from top corner.
3 -- Hit with hammer, with enough force (F=MA) to crack corner.
4 -- Repeat 2 and 3 to other top corner.
5 -- Slip screw driver between panels at top of holder (a slight tap with hammer may be necessary). Top seam should be breached at this point.
6 -- SLOWLY work screw driver down side seams. Little by liitle, side to side.
7 -- Don't panic if slab cracks across.
8 -- Hold breath
9 -- Remove card when you are comfortable enough that you have cracked side seams far enough down.
10 -- Stand there and wonder if you were just lucky.

Results:
1 -- Front panel (view from inside-out):



2 -- Back panel (view from inside-out):



3 -- Abe looking as sharp as he did before Harlem Tommy Murphy bout:



DON'T WORRY ... scuffs on upper right quadrant were already there. What a GREAT card.

Disclaimer: Uniqiue experience; results may vary ....