Cool PSA storage Idea

Sideplate

Hey Guys,

I thought I would share a cool way I found to store PSA cards. With my growing collection, I have had an increasing need to store my cards in my office without it looking like a big pile of boxes. I ran across a really nice, solid walnut, library card catalog. Most libraries are going completely computerized, so they are trying to get rid of those old card catalogs. The one I got has 60 drawers each of which will hold 61 regular sized PSA holders. That equals 3660 cards! Although my wife was not real happy at first about having library furniture in the house, she now admits it has it has a special look to it. I had brass name plates put on the front of each drawer in the area that used to say, A thru AW etc. It works really nice for complete sets. My complete ’74 baseball set occupies the first 2 rows of drawers, nicely labeled by card number range on the front tabs. Along with the brass pulls that were already on the cabinet, it makes a very nice display.
The really cool part of this is, most libraries will give them away if you pick them up! That’s right, free! As in my favorite kind of beer. The only catch is that these babies are really heavy, so you better bring a few friends with you.

mrc32

Post some pictures!

FB

Great idea!

but what if you have more than 3661 PSA graded cards.....

KING KELLOGG

Sideplate...


Yeah....I like that "old school" feeling to wood cabinets..


Please, do post a pic or two...




Larry

Sideplate

More cards, more cabinets!

I'll take some pics as soon as I can. I think the digital camera is at work. I'd scan it but......

1420sports

How did you find it? eBay? newspaper?

Sideplate

I found it by accident. I was searching the internet (goggle) for 4x6 index card filing cabinets that I thought may work for card storage. The search engine kept popping up library card catalogs from some company out west. That gave me the idea. I went to my local library with a PSA card under my jacket and acted like I was intently trying to find a much needed book title. After sizing up the drawer and concluding that it would indeed work, I got busted by the librarian who asked me what the hell I was doing! I explained the whole thing and she said if I wanted the cabinet I could have it. I immediately started looking around the room for the hidden camera totally expecting to be on the next candid camera show. After she explained that the library had been on computers for about a year and the card catalog that I was looking in had not been used in at least that long ( smooth one), the library just wanted to get it out of the way. I went home, got an appliance dolly and called 3 of my biggest friends and the rest is history. A few weeks later, I called a few more of the local libraries just out of curiosity. They all had catalogs that they too, would GIVE away. I figure this must be going on all over the country as these small libraries start to computerize.

murcerfan

great story.

1420sports

I have a feeling some of our local libraries may be getting some phone calls tomorrow ....

34GoudeyCollector

Awesome idea Sideplate. Definitely looking forward to seeing some pics!

Ken

qualitycards

Here is an eBay auction that has pics that may be similar to Sideplates version...jay
eBay library cabinet auction

Sideplate

Jay,

This is very similar to my cabinet, except mine is in a lot nicer condition as far as the wood and finish. Of course my price was a lot better too!

BigKidAtHeart

I LOVE the shelves that pull out in the middle!
that gives you a place to set things as you load,
unload, sort, file, etc! Very Nice and Great Idea!!



~jeff

qualitycards

SP - and this eBay lot must be picked up in Brooklyn.
You came up w/ a cool idea though, I ill be keeping an eye out for a smaller one to sit on my file cabinets ...jay

BigKidAtHeart

<< <i> my price was a lot better too! >>

based on these recently closed auctions...
you did AMAZINGLY WELL!!!!

Fuzz

FB,
Card #3661 gets stored in a box, on top of the really nice wood cabinet.
Sideplate, beautiful idea. What are the dimensions on this kind of thing. I have some boxes here and there and centralized storage may require space that is not available. Long term, clearly the way to go.
Fuzz

sellerman23

I know my buddy has had one in his room at his parents house for like 10 years that him mom picked up for him somewhere.
He uses it to store raw cards, but he does not collect anymore.
Maybe I can get that off him if I cannot secure one at my local library (I'm on hold right now!).

Dave
sellerman23

qmayer

Sideplate,

Do you have to set the cards on their sides or can you stand them up? From the pictures I've seen and my memory, I don't think I could stand a slab up.

Also, is there a concern that the brass ridged deal (on the bottom to keep the cards from slipping out from under themselves) in each drawer will scratch the slab?

Justin

Sideplate

Justin,

I pulled all the metal fixtures out of the drawers so as to not scratch the slabs. I then lined the bottoms of the drawers with green felt to make it look a little better. In my drawers, I place the cards on their sides in groups ( I'll find a picture tonight and post it here). I have seen other card catalogs that will alow the slabs to be set upright. Mine is of the smaller version.

Sideplate

Here are some pictures I took before I put the brass tags on the front. I also added green felt material to the bottom of the drawers. I attached the pics to this thread, so I hope this works. If not, someone please tell me how to do this.

Ken

Fuzz-- Mine is 60" tall, 40" wide and 20" deep

Remobolan

Sideplate, Cool item and great thread I will be at the library tomorrow.

BigKidAtHeart

ken,
it looks like the cards do not fit just perfectly on their sides,
but have to be put in at an angle....
is that correct or is it just an optical illusion in the photo?

Sideplate

That is correct with my style of drawer. I have seen other styles where this is not a factor. It really is not a problem with mine either, but you could get more cards if the drawers were a bit wider. I find the angle helps me in locating the cards when I am looking for something.

jimtb

I called libraries in five local counties today. Apparently central Florida is ahead of the curve. They went to electronic catalogs between five and ten years ago. Not a catalog holder in sight...