B18 Grading Question

[nolemmings]

I'm pretty sure these aren't graded by anyone, other than perhaps GAI. I look for full borders all the way around on these, and I think yours comes up short--measure from the middle across and see if it makes 5 1/4" each way. It also appears that there may be stitch marks in the blanket; if so, it would grade good at best, IMO. Usually you can see the stitch holes when you hold it up to a light. If no stitch marks, I'd give it a vg/vg-ex. Nice example, though--I doubt I would grade mine even if grading was available--eye appeal trumps technical grade here.

Edited to add that the uneven cut would not downgrade it much, provided the specs were right all the way around.

[rdwyer]

Upon close inspection, I don't see any stitch marks. My guess is that the color is missing, making it look like stitching. (You can't see through, no holes or thread, etc.) The blanket measures 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 5 3/8. Middle measures 5 1/14 one way and the other measures 5 1/8.

[nolemmings]

Here is a scan of a WJ that I lost in a burglary several years ago. Note the full borders all around, although there is light pink discoloration along the home to firstbase line:


To me, full borders are the best attribute, and less than 5 1/4 throughout would downgrade. As for grading, IMO fraying or severe staining would be the worst defect. These also suffer from poor registration, fading, product/other staining and centering.

[GehrigFan]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

I'm pretty sure these aren't graded by anyone, other than perhaps GAI.

BVG will grade these.

[nolemmings]

that's good to know, although it appears they do not list that set among the cards they grade:

http://www.beckett.com/grading/lists/bb.asp

[Leon]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

that's good to know, although it appears they do not list that set among the cards they grade:

http://www.beckett.com/grading/lists/bb.asp

That is a small oversight on their list. Since Mark (Gehrigfan) oversees all of the grading at Beckett I am sure they will grade it. regards

ps...Mark- it's almost time for some Tex Mex again.....

[nolemmings]

that's good to know too. Maybe Mark or someone from Beckett can share with Richard and the rest of us what grading standards are applied to B18 blankets, and specifically whether/how the odd cut borders would affect the grade.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

that's good to know too. Maybe Mark or someone from Beckett can share with Richard and the rest of us what grading standards are applied to B18 blankets, and specifically whether/how the odd cut borders would affect the grade.

I know Mark doesn't really get on the board too much on the weekends (we have spoken about it) and was surprised to see him on today. He and Andy Broome (their sr.vintage grader) are both members of our board. Maybe one of them will chime in for us....or email you. best regards

[rdwyer]

I hope they do chime in. It's always a challenge when buying these blankets, because they are very hard to find in NM condition. (What is near mint condition, really?) Because of the material and age, they degrade very easily over time.

[ethicsprof]

Hi Mark,
glad to see you 'round. i didn't recognize you as the Beckett Man when we
'discussed' Thomas Hobbes and Roy Hobbs!!!
all the best,

barry