How to Safely Remove a Signed Stargell Rookie from a Screwdown Hldr?

Ironmanfan

A buddy of mine has a signed Willie Stargell rookie that he has kept in a screwdown holder since he had Stargell sign it at a show over 30 years ago.

I told him the first thing he needs to do is get it out of the holder but I told him it has to be done safely.

What have other done in this situation?

Thanks

IMF

brad31

I have just unscrewed and removed it. I have never had a card visibly damaged from removal. The most common problem is the card is "altered" from compression over time - removal method does not change this.

or246

No expert by any means. But, I was told to loosen one screw at at time and rotate each screw once all the way around until the top comes off. Seemed to work pretty good for me.

RufussCkingston

My only concern would be if part of the autograph has transferred to the case, but because it is in the middle of the card, where there is the least amount of pressure, should be fine. There can be issues of the ink on the corners being stuck to the top, but that would be because of the storage conditions, like if it was in the sun.

craig44

Go very very slowly. i have had cards leave ink from the corner compression on the top of the holder.

jay0791

Years ago I lost some corner ink as well.
I heard to put the card in the freezer first and that helps prevent ink transfer

dontippet

I, too, was thinking that the freezer trick may be your best bet.

Ironmanfan

@jay0791 said:
Years ago I lost some corner ink as well.
I heard to put the card in the freezer first and that helps prevent ink transfer

approximate time?

IMF

craig44

I have tried the freezer trick before. both for screw downs and for 90s type unopened that tend to like to stick together. I have never really had any success personally, but that is just me. it sure wont hurt to give it a try. I may put it in a zip lock bag first to make sure no moisture gets in there.

jay0791

Time is short

maybe 10 minutes

weaselpuppy

Had a signed ungraded bit tight looking Barry Sanders rookie lose paint to the top case. Brutal.

Ironmanfan

Thanks for everyone's advice....I went over to my buddy's house earlier today and fortunately it was able to be removed from the screwdown case with no damage to the card & it now resides in a toploader (awaiting shipment to PSA/DNA):

Thought I'd attach an updated photo:

IMF

robert67

That is one awesome card!

craig44

I am glad everything came out alright!

brad31

Looks great. I had dozens of cards in screw downs that were in there for decades and bought 100s in screw downs and removed to binder them back in the day. I have never had an issue where the card was damaged in any way except possibly compression (I have never submitted a card to a TPG, but I would guess some of the cards I kept in screw downs for decades would come back altered if I did). However, so many cards were in screw downs in the 80s there have to be a significant number that did not suffer damage or vintage high grade cards would be even rarer than they are. I would guess half of Mantle’s cards were in screw downs at one time in their existence.

GDM67

@brad31 said:

I would guess half of Mantle’s cards were in screw downs at one time in their existence.

Used to see them at shows in those screwdowns with the big heavy bottom section. They looked like car batteries.

daltex

About thirty years ago I knew a guy who was trying to get a complete set of Red Sox, or perhaps Topps Red Sox. He despaired over the cost of the 1963 Gosger.

handyman

Great now it’s in a top loader. To be continued.
Jk glad it’s ok and looks like a nice card