Does size matter -- advice needed

Billa

I just purchased a vintage Red Man tobacco card from one of the major advertisers in SMR. It was a PSA 7 but it is a full 1/16th short both width and depth from the standard 3 1/2" x 4" standard size of cards. I also have a 1961 Topps Mantle PSA 8 which is 1/16th short. Under close examination these cards do not appear trimmed. The question is: is there this much variance in the cutting process and does PSA allow for these variances; or should I suspect trimmed cards? What have you learned?

A761506

If it's in the holder, there's not much to suspect. It has been examined, measured, and deemed to be unaltered by the leading sports card authenticating service in the industry.

As far as leeway, they give up to 1/32", providing the card does not show evidence of trimming. Also, it is very difficult to measure the card precisely in the holder because you cannot get the ruler onto the card, there is nearly 1/8" of space between the surface of the card and the surface of the ruler, which can easily account for inaccurate measurements of at least 1/32".

Stone193

<< <i>Does size matter -- advice needed >>


Just ask her!

Southerncards

<< <i>If it's in the holder, there's not much to suspect. It has been examined, measured, and deemed to be unaltered by the leading sports card authenticating service in the industry. >>

Text


LMFAO......now I've heard it all!

Billa

You can still get a pretty good measurement when it is in the holder. There is no doubt that this card is 1/16th, not 1/32nd off. In addition, the holder is pristine, not fog, clouds, cracks, etc. and is one of the cleanest holders I have. I guess the question is for those manufacturing experts: were they that precise in the cutting of cards and can there be that much variance. Also, I have heard of Topps presentation sets in the early 1960s. It appears that cards from these sets were slightly smaller than the cards in packs. Perhaps, they took the cards and trimmed them once again to get them all same size.

aconte

The red man could be smaller. Although, I don't think it should of been holdered if it was smaller all
around like that. I've seen them smaller in size in the Psa holders. I usually pass on those.

Could yours be trimmed? Maybe

aconte

koby

You should break both cards out of their holders and resubmit them. If they come back slabbed, then they're ok. It's always good to doublecheck.

calleocho

Billa

I think that between all the Wigwag posts and now smaller size cards inside PSA holders that you have.

Maybe you would be happier with your collection either raw or in another company's holder.

Billa

Thanks aconte and kobi,

under magnification, the tips of the Red Man show the touches (roundness) on both sides of the corners. On cards that are trimmed, you find that on the corner there will be only one side that shows the wear. Also, it appears that the edges are factory cut and not the fresh sharp angle you see on a trimmed card. I could break it open and have it resubmitted, but, if not mistaken, I think PSA will review a card in its holder. Is that so? It just seems awfully strange that this is a "mini" version Red Man.

Or do I ask the dealer for a refund, even though I got it for a great price, 60% of SMR.

Thanks,

Bill

Billa

Thanks, Calleocho,

Nah! I like PSA cards for they are the best. And, what's wrong with asking a few questions about the size of cards? But, maybe you are right. Maybe I should send the two cards to GAI for review, and then I can report back here and let you know what they say, and what would you say then? Why, of course, you would say, "Gee, because you talked about the WIWAG scandle and the detriment it had on the hobby, you should have all your cards graded by GAI."

Makes sense. Shoot the messenger. For God's sake, I didn't switch the cards!

Give it a break, fellows!

Thanks,

Bill

rustywilly

under magnification, the tips of the Red Man show the touches (roundness) on both sides

Whoa - that's enough information!

goodriddance189

any girl who tells you size doesn't matter is probably being dishonest
and dealer who tells you size doesn't matter is probably being dishonest as well

WinPitcher

I know that 1961 topps cards do vary in size.