Would you trim up a strip

[novakjr]

Now, I think there might be some mis-understanding to the original question. It appears that most answers have been under the assumption that when you say "it has room on the borders", you are referring to having the entire Ruth card plus extra parts of other cards.

But, I'm thinking by "room on the borders", you may have actually been referring to the fact that if you were to trim it, that you would not effect the picture area of the card.

If you are referring to the first assumption, then I agree. Cut that bad boy, but make sure you don't go into the originally intended border area.

If you are referring to the borders the way I'm actually thinking you were, then either way you still won't have all of the originally intended card dimension, and at most would receive an "A" when getting it graded. At that point, it's really all up to you. Some people would like to see sharp corners, others would want the most of the original card as possible.

An "A" isn't always just an "A" though. Eye appeal on an incomplete card can make quite a difference in resale value.

David you are correct. I have no clue about strips and whats favorable. So here are scans of it.

BTW the cards are actual color. The ball is missing red ink I believe.

[edhans]

Andrew,
I would not trim that Ruth. If you cut it so that it has sharp corners all around, It'll measure short and get no more than an "A" designation. If it remains full size, you're going to have parts that are razor sharp and parts that have natural wear. Again, probably only good for an "A". It looks great the way it is. Leave it alone.

[novakjr]

Now that we've seen it. I'd probably just leave it be.

[0-2 Pitch]

Andrew,

I have collected strip cards for many years. While I have trimmed a few to improve eye appeal, it has been on a case by case basis. Given that they are typically inexpensive when compared to other pre-war issues, I have been very willing to "put them under the knife" to improve the look of the card. However, we are talking about a Ruth card, so I would not trim this particular example. Even a Ruth strip card can be somewhat expensive, so it would definitely give me pause about altering it in any way.

[T206Collector]

...if for no other reason than resale value will be higher to a prospective trimmee.

[JamesGallo]

I have trimmed 1 strip card but it had a very bad jargged edge on one side and I just trimmed it down. Wouldn't have graded anyway. I would leave the Ruth alone as it looks like it is close to the correct size and presents fine.

James G