1952 Topps question

schr1st

Are there any know variations in the first series, red back cards where the players "signature" is missing? Specifically Ray Boone (#55) and Jim Hegan (#17)? I just spent the past hour or so on eBay and Beckett's OPG trying to find info on them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

schr1st

Here are scans of the front and backs of the cards. They came from a Mastronet Auction autographed card lot originally (then re-routed to me via eBay). I don't think they are reprints, but don't know what to make of them.

murcerfan

try calling Jimmy or Levi at 707 sportscards
or e-mailing them.
http://www.707sportscards.com/

schr1st

I'll give them a shot. Anyone else hear of this happening before? A friend of mine suggested that they might be cards that were given to the player by Topps for their own personal use (to sign and hand out, things like that).

707sportscards

If you look closely you will see that the original facsimile signatures have been erased. This is most evident on the Hegan where the original signature came close to the edge of the box in the area of the bottom left and bottom middle. If you take the cards out of the holders and tilt them to see the surface gloss you will see a break in the gloss in that area. I've seen other 52's that this was done to, so more than one autograph collector thought to do the same thing. While it may affect the technical grade and value of the card to some people, I think it has more value because it looks pretty cool that way. Jim-707.

schr1st

I'll check that out when I get home. Thanks Jim! One question though: how would they be able to erase the black-ink script signature without damaging the white "nameplate" area of the card?

schr1st

Thanks again Jim. I examined the cards outside of the holders, and indeed that was what happened. I'd still love to know how they managed to erase the black ink "signature" but nor damage the white ink background.

brumbach

Sean, I can't speak for '52 Topps but from what I know about modern cards the white is more of a backround printing surface than actual ink. In theory one could erase the entire front of the card and make a blank front if they wanted to. With enough practice and the right eraser it's pretty easy, I used to do it all of the time with early 90's stuff just for the heck of it. I can't tell you how many "rare no-name prototypes" I have around that I made.

schr1st

The early, non-glossy Upper Deck cards (especially the 1989 and 90 sets) were well know for it, but I'm surprised that it would be possible on a vintage card.