1953 Bowman Color Common Flaw

BRDSR

It seems to me that between 1/3 and 1/2 of the 1953 Bowman Color cards I come across have one vertical edge which is somewhat more jagged than the other. For instance, the left edge of this Robin Roberts. Does anyone know what causes this? It almost seems like the cards were originally detached from each other through perforation, but unless they were only putting two cards together, the phenomenon would also occur on the horizontal edges of some cards.

The phenomenon does not appear to dramatically impact PSA's grading of the cards (at least in 6 or 7), but I find it to be a huge eye sore, and is making it difficult for me to move forward on the set in a grade I can afford.

akuracy503

Contrary to your distaste for "rough cut" edges I do enjoy them, somewhat common in '53 topps as well.
I don't know where and how the rough edges came about from the factory, would be interesting to see what others say.

ShawnyD

rough cuts are awesome. and that 53 is gorgeous.

purduepete

If you don't like rough cuts, I would advise you to stay away from O-Pee-Chee cards

The rough cuts were caused at the factory by dull cutting blades.

1989FleerBillRipkencollector

Did they use some sort of wire to cut older cards? I thought I read that somewhere. Airplane wire (unsure what that is) comes to mind.

WinPitcher

After cutting thousands of sheets the wire would become dull.


Steve

purduepete

Of course when I said "blades", I really meant to say "wires" Thanks for correcting me guys!


Since I work in aviation maintenance, I should get this part right...

"Airplane wire" is probably the same material used as control cables in aircraft. Very thin strands of stainless steel wire are combined to form a bundle, and then several bundles are braided together to form the finished cable. The finished cable comes in different diameters (3/32" and up). I don't know what gauge cable was used to cut sheets back then...

Like Steve said, as thousands of sheets were cut by the same cable, it would become "dull". What happened is that some of the outer strands of wire on the cable would break from overuse and the broken ends of those wires would jut out just enough to cause the rough edges on the finished cards when they were cut from the sheets.

BRDSR

Thanks for the info, guys. I'm surprised some people like the rough cut. I'm also still confused about why it only seems to afflict one horizontal side of any given card. Seems like every card would have to get cut on at least two sides, both horizontal and vertical. Maybe I just don't pay close enough attention.

WinPitcher

I have seen rough cuts on more than one edge. But yes, generally only one vertical side is usually rough.


Why that is? I have not a clue.


I like them myself if they are not too severe.

I do not like them on 9's and 10's though.

8.5 and lower is ok (to me)


Steve