Did you know how quickly PSA holders catch fire? Display dilemmas!

Skinpinch

Not sure what it means, but it took about five seconds for a PSA holder to catch fire(using a regular lighter). I tried this because I was thinking about displaying some items in a secure case on the wall with plexi-glass as the protector. Then I was curious to see how fast and flammable plexi glass is, and yes it catches and ignites pretty quickly.

Not sure if I want something out in the open that ignites that quick. Any suggestions on a good safe way to display items? Glass looks nice, but I am afraid of somebody being able to break in within two seconds to take the contents. Plexi-glass prevents the two second grab(if built well enought with the case). You never know if an impulsive person at a party, or the two-minute burgalar who comes in not prepared to tackle a good deterrant, may come upon the idea of thievery. Or a friend of a friend of your teenage kids(when your not home) etc....

Is it worth having a few nice items if they have to be stored in a safe? Am I being paranoid about the plexi-glass, or the quick thievery(although this seems to be more realistic than the fire). Sure, a fire will destroy everything anyway, unless you have a good fire safe(even that isn't guaranteed). Any input would be appreciative. THanks.

Aknot

OK are you talking home storage or store storage or what? If it is in your home before thinking about anything like this make sure your Home Owners Insurance (it should) would cover the collection. If you are in an Apartment GET RENTERS INSURANCE. Catalog (with pictures/scans) and keep the list/pictures offsite, like uploading to a webpage or something. That should be TOP PRIORITY.

As for the PSA case I do not know how they "affix" the two sides but it may be some type of "glue/resin/etc." that causes it to be that flammable.

If I remember correctly from HS plexiglass did not really "burn" that "fast" when it DID catch fire. But Im sure there are all types of grades for Plexiglass with regards to being fire resistant.

qualitycards

If you want the safest way to protect your cards, put them in a safe deposit box or a fire-proof safe. They will be well protected, but the tradeoff is they are not quickly viewable. To display the cards in your home & office will mean you can appreciate them all the time, but the tradeoff is they can be stolen or set ablaze if your place is on fire. You gotta do whats right for you, there is no right answer....jay

Justin

Aknot,

Does a typical homeowner's insurance policy cover collectibles and memorabilia or does one have to get a special rider on the policy?

BigKidAtHeart

<< <i>Not sure if I want something out in the open that ignites that quick. >>


then you might want to get rid of your
couch, chairs, bed, sheet, curtains, and carpets.

BigKidAtHeart

<< <i>Aknot,

Does a typical homeowner's insurance policy cover collectibles and memorabilia or does one have to get a special rider on the policy? >>

they differ, but IF they cover collectibles
they have a low maximum payout that
will not likely cover your collection
(like $500 - $1000)

you usually need to pay extra for realistic coverage.

Aknot

Yes always check first. They ALWAYS vary. Make sure when inquiring you get them to tell you what section of the policy covers that and to get a copy of that section. Depending on the value of the collection and the price to cover it may be worht the piece of mind.

highend

qualitycards- i have thought about getting a fireproof safe for some of my older cards, more valuable cards from the 50 and 60's. i've wondered if in the event of a fire will the heat ruin the cards anyway? especially the slabbed ones. i have a safety deposit box at the bank, where i keep my 54, 55 bowman sets and my 55, 57, 60-65 topps sets they are mostly exmt-nm but they reflect the bulk of my lifes work at card collecting and the sentimental value of those cards are irreplacable i feel secure having them there but it's kind of like visiting a family member at prison. i would prefer to have them home.

1420sports

highend, I have thought about getting a fire proof safe and learned through members on the boards that the ones at Home Depot or Lowes will not do the trick. There is some type of liquid inside that disperses with heat, so I guess the only thing they are good for is jewelry or non paper products. The kind of safe we require may cost 1K, at least that is what the safe salesman told me.

calleocho

there are media safes that are are supposed to protect things like computers disks and paper.

they are quite expensive though

highend

guys- thanks for the info, for the time being i'll keep the cards in lockdown. jim

magellan

My agent (Allstate) tells me that my collection is covered under HO but they would like a detailed list plus an appraisal from someone in the business. I have put off doing this.

As far as safes go, you should do what you feel comfortable with. Personally I like to see my collection so most of it is in my office with the rest in my closet.

Dave

Aknot

Mag,

Why put it off? Do you have a "card shop" in your area? You should be able to explain to him what is going on and he might be able to help out. I dont know the size of your collection but you could show a large group of "key" pieces and take him pictures of the rest. Ask him if he could for $20 or so check over the good stuff and give you an honest answer. Or does he (Insurance) want them graded like?

magellan

Aknot , The main reason for putting it off is that my collection is pretty large and all over the place as far as what I have collected. Also most of the collection is not what you would call high end ( a lot of exmt) so it would be hard to point out a few cards that really enhance the overall value. It's more of a cumulative worth based on volume. My partner (we used to do card shows) would probably be qualified to do an appraisal but it would be very time consuming to be anywhere near accurate. Soooooo, I put it off.

Dave

gemint

<< <i>My agent (Allstate) tells me that my collection is covered under HO but they would like a detailed list plus an appraisal from someone in the business. I have put off doing this. >>



All the more reason to register your cards in the set registry. That makes for a very safe place to keep a running inventory of your collection. And if you scan the cards onto the website, you even have visual verification of the cards.

magellan

Very good point gem & I am working on my '77 & 69 BB sets (just added some 77's today) but those 60-80 cards are all that i own graded. Plus (see scaning cards thread) my scanner isn't working. I just have all sorts of problems (not really).

Dave