PSA set to encapsulate "TYPE" Photographs & Signed photos as well...

[Exhibitman]

I can't believe I'm actually justifying PSA'S services, but....

I and many others were negative about 3rd party grading when PSA first came up. To a large extent I still feel that way about high grade postwar cards. So I'm with many of you philosophically in terms of concern about plastic slab and label collectors being more concerned with the holder than the item. That said, there is definitely a place in the hobby for the service in at least two ways:

--Internet/Ebay sales: As is the case with cards, when I buy a graded card from a reputable service I stand a very good chance of getting what I bought. If people want to collect photos without amassing years of experience in the nuances or want to deal with Ebay purchases with reasonable reassurance as to what they get, this will help.

--Preservation/Protection/Display: Storing photos in sheets is an imperfect solution--too much movement and flex for some items--and the top loaders that are available are not archival quality. My compromise has been to put the photo in an archival sleeve then into an oversized top loader, which means I look at the image through two layers of plastic that isn't that clear anyway--not a great solution from an enjoyment perspective. I also don't particularly like framing vintage autographed photos and putting them on the walls. Great way to wreck an autograph, especlally in a less than museum quality lighting situation. And if I want to display something temporarily then take it down, what do I do w/it--that framed item is a real storage nightmare. Not to mention the cost of a good frame-up, which far exceeds the cost of a slab and thus is not practical for a lot of items.

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I can't believe I'm actually justifying PSA'S services, but....

--Internet/Ebay sales: As is the case with cards, when I buy a graded card from a reputable service I stand a very good chance of getting what I bought. If people want to collect photos without amassing years of experience in the nuances or want to deal with Ebay purchases with reasonable reassurance as to what they get, this will help.

Perfectly put Exhibitman, thank you. Just remember guys, if you don't like the way a photo looks once you've bought a slabbed image... CUT IT OUT! That's what I would do.

Thanks to all for your thoughts and comments. Regards, Jimmy

[mr2686]

Soooooo, just so we're clear...I'm going to probably be charged a premium price to purchase a slabbed and graded photo, then take it out of the slab because it looks ugly. And then, if I want to resell it somewhere down the line, I'll either be charged to reslab it or take less for it because it's not slabbed? Somewhere down the line this hobby jumped the shark.

[GrayGhost]

I remember the days no cards were in holders. Its so ridiculous. The only thing I ever thought they were good for was detecting altered cards/counterfeits. People would look at a card and decide what the grade was, and a potential customer could agree or not. The Good old days.

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by mr2686

Count me in as one who hates to see things slabbed. Now, that may be because my collection is like a black hole...nothing ever leaves so I'm not worried about the resale value, but also I just don't like the look.

Originally Posted by mr2686

Soooooo, just so we're clear...I'm going to probably be charged a premium price to purchase a slabbed and graded photo, then take it out of the slab because it looks ugly. And then, if I want to resell it somewhere down the line, I'll either be charged to reslab it or take less for it because it's not slabbed? Somewhere down the line this hobby jumped the shark.

Well Mike. PSA's slabs have NOT been released as of yet and the one shown earlier on this thread is NOT the kind they will use for their photos. So 'we really don't know what they will look like yet.

Also...PSA will NOT be grading photos, only authenticating them.

Regarding cutting them out of their holders, my intention was to say that if you don't like they way they look, simply cut them out.

I'm also confused as earlier you said "my collection is like a black hole...nothing ever leaves so I'm not worried about the resale value" so it shouldn't have any effect on you regardless. In closing, I would think that for you, it's best if you just buy raw photos and save yourself from the headaches.

Best, Jimmy