T206 Advice?? Update

[DJR]

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[Matthew H]

If you want to avoid cards removed from a scrap book, just avoid high grade cards.

[DJR]

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[Jaybird]

I just wanted to point out that the card, though appearing a bit better (in some people's eyes), will still only grade a 2. The paper loss on the back will keep it from grading any higher.

So in essence, all of this work was done to bring it from a 1 to a 2. Seems like a lot of unnecessary fiddling.

[Matthew H]

I think the technical grade is subjective. The card looks 100% better. The card was already altered when someone spread glue on the back. I personally don't have a problem owning a card with this type of "alteration".

I think it was a very nice gesture, doing this for free. Glue removed, wrinkles and round corners intact.

[vintagetoppsguy]

It’s just my personal opinion, but I don’t consider what was done to the card as an “alteration” especially since whatever was done is untraceable. To me, it’s no different than taking nylon hose and removing wax residue from the front of a card.

Originally Posted by Jaybird

I just wanted to point out that the card, though appearing a bit better (in some people's eyes), will still only grade a 2. The paper loss on the back will keep it from grading any higher.

So in essence, all of this work was done to bring it from a 1 to a 2. Seems like a lot of unnecessary fiddling.

I don’t think the OP has the intentions of re-grading it. He just wanted a nice looking card and states in his original post, “I would probably just leave the card raw in my collection afterwards.”

[rp12367]

I didn't think the before and after pics, would cause quite a stir. I know that the cleaning of the glue that Dick did, didn't really raise the grade as someone stated. The card went from a 1 to a 2 because of paper loss, bends, corners etc... I have no intention on submitting the card to PSA/SGC. I am a Hal Chase collector and the card will stay raw in my collection. I still have the original SGC label in a top loader with the card. If I ever do decide to sell the card I will disclose that the card was a 1 and was cleaned. I didn't send the card to Dick to deceive anyone now or in the future. I have several T-206 high grade cards and as someone pointed out alot of high grade pre-war stuff at one point or another may have been soaked/chemical cleaned at some point in time. Due to being glued in a scrap book. Which is how so many of the cards maintained those razor sharp corners for 100+ years. I don't see any problem with what Dick did, the card doesn't glow in the dark, has no chemical smell and isn't going to spontaneous combust while in my shoe box with my other cards... Thanks again to Dick....

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by DJR

I prefer high grade (and low grade) cards that remain original and intact, free of chemicals / solvents, cards that once had indents, tape, ink, etc. Call me old fashioned, I guess. I also do not appreciate the pressers / trimmers, emery boards, and other nefarious activities.

Unfortunately (for some), Dick Towle's techniques do not leave any trace of their usage. PSA and SGC will freely grade these cards. I had a beautiful SGC 80 once that was Towle-job, so to speak. The card had previously been in a scrap book.

If you collect high grade pre-war cards, you should fully expect that many of them used to be in scrap books and were soaked off by water or via other non-traceable means. Why do you think the corners are so sharp and the borders so white?!

I think this is one of the most interesting topics in card collecting -- rife with controversy and opinions all over the place.

[Doug]

I wouldn't have an issue buying a soaked card. I'd say there's more of an alteration to the card by having paper or glue residue on it. I think it would be like saying an otherwise all original classic car is restored because you took it to the car wash and washed off all of the "original" dirt that it picked up over the years. Then again, that's just my opinion as wrong as some may find it to be.

[FUBAR]

Personally, i like the way the new card looks, It has much better eye appeal and for this card, the back was important to the buyer. For free, that is a top notch thing to do!

I don't feel this is an altered card at all. Nothing has been added, and only something removed that shouldn't have been there in the first place. Nice work Dick!

[teetwoohsix]

I must admit it is an amazing job Mr.Towle did on that card, but I kinda feel the way DJR does about it. It also does make me wonder how many cards floating around out there have had this done to them?

I like to think the T206's I have collected so far haven't had something like this done to them, but the fact that PSA and SGC can't detect this kind of "work" makes me wonder. That sucks.

Clayton