Question for 1971 Topps Baseball Enthusiasts...

ymarea · January 22, 2009 9:58AM

The Mike Marshall #713 pictured on the left has that big, ugly blob in the upper right corner of the photo. It isn't a mark and I've never seen another one with such a defect. Does anyone out there know if this is a recognized "blotch" variation, ala Northrup #265 and Nash #306, or is it simply an ugly print defect? Any chance that it's a new discovery?

It's a sincere question, but all forms of response are welcome!

WinPitcher · January 22, 2009 10:00AM

I think it is just some of the black ink and that it has smudged.

I don't think it is a variety.

Steve

mrmint23 · January 22, 2009 10:01AM

Looks like someone bumped their marker on the card when they were coloring the sides. (Not accusing you of altering the card)

ymarea · January 22, 2009 10:03AM

Steve,

Thanks for the reply. I really don't think it's any more than just an ugly mess, but I would be kicking myself if I were to unwittingly discard a hidden 'treasure.'

benderbroeth · January 22, 2009 10:03AM

one of the things i find interesting about the two cards is the color of the caps...one seems black the other has lighter coloring.

Stingray · January 22, 2009 10:04AM

Unless others have seen a Marshall card like that one, it might be impossible to answer your question without seeing the card in person.

ymarea · January 22, 2009 10:07AM

<< Looks like someone bumped their marker on the card when they were coloring the sides. (Not accusing you of altering the card) >>

You may be right, but it definitely looks like a part of the photo. I see no ink running along the sides that would likely result from recoloring. I'm just more curious than anything. I recently upgraded it with the card shown on the right. I've had the ugly one for about 22 years and never paid close attention to it. It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that I noticed the blob. Being aware of Northrup/Nash, I was just a bit curious.

ymarea · January 22, 2009 10:09AM

<< one of the things i find interesting about the two cards is the color of the caps...one seems black the other has lighter coloring. >>

That's true. The scans don't show it clearly enough, but the color on the blotched card is considerably darker throughout than the card on the right. When you see the two cards in person, you can really see a difference in tone.

slantycouch · January 22, 2009 10:09AM

It seems like everything is "overly black" on the left one. My guess is that was run through right after the K ink was replenished.

ymarea · January 22, 2009 10:13AM

Oops, you can all disregard. Whatever the blotch was, it just got up and crawled away.

Just kidding.

jmoran19 · January 22, 2009 10:16AM

looks like a finger print to me

I checked the pop. report, there is not a varation for that card, sorry

ymarea · January 22, 2009 10:19AM

<< It seems like everything is "overly black" on the left one. My guess is that was run through right after the K ink was replenished. >>

That well may be. Both have tiny black spots on the background to the left of Marshall's head, but they are more pronounced on the blotched card. Also, there is just a general blacker hue that surrounds the cap. I'm pretty certain the mysterious blob is simply an ugly spill of printer's ink.

ymarea · January 22, 2009 10:22AM

<< looks like a finger print to me

I checked the pop. report, there is not a varation for that card, sorry >>

Oh boy! I guess I made a new discovery. I'll bet the card is worth...30 cents!!!

SidePocket · January 22, 2009 10:29AM

Nice upgrade in any event. The one on the right is very nice.

ymarea · January 22, 2009 10:30AM

<< Nice upgrade in any event. The one on the right is very nice. >>

Thanks. I appreciate the compliment.

ArchStanton · January 22, 2009 1:43PM

The one from my set looks more like the one on the left. It is dark under his cap but has only a tiny print line where your blotch is.

SOM · January 22, 2009 4:32PM

I ran back and checked my set, and #713 has the same blotch that you have! Mine is not as thick and dark, but it's in the same place and has the same general shape as yours.

We're rich!!

ymarea · January 22, 2009 8:59PM

<< I ran back and checked my set, and #713 has the same blotch that you have! Mine is not as thick and dark, but it's in the same place and has the same general shape as yours.

We're rich!! >>

Arch and Som, you guys made my day. I'm calling in sick for work and will celebrate all day. Whoo hoo!

AUPT · January 23, 2009 12:01AM

The Yahoo card-variation group does not show the 1971 Marshall as having any variation, and they are very (too much so) comprehensive.

This looks to me like a spatter of ink or other fluid was deposited on the black printing plate, probably hung around for a couple of dozen or couple of hundred sheets, and eventually wore off.

It is not likely to get the type of "love" that the Northrup and Cash "blobs" have.

Bob Lemke

BunchOBull · January 23, 2009 12:08AM

It looks like someone put grease on his spectacles too...he has a black ring under his right eye.

purduepete · January 23, 2009 1:09AM

Brett, this is an interesting topic...

I would tend to lean towards thinking that your "blotch" card could be an uncatalogued variant. However, I would also have to say that it probably would not carry any premium in value over the "non-blotch" card.

For comparison's sake, I scanned my copy of the Mike Marshall card - mine doesn't have the blotch, but the line under his right eye is missing too.

I'll agree with slantycouch- it looks like your "blotch" card was printed right after the black ink was replentished. The extra black ink is bleeding into his name on the "blotch" card, while the letters in his name on the other card are much crisper.

ymarea · January 23, 2009 1:46AM

Thanks, Tom, and thanks to everyone who has weighed in. I agree with Tom in that, variation or not, it's not worth any more than a non-blotched card.

Tom, thanks for the scan of the clean-cheek Marshall. I don't think I've ever seen one without the mark under his eye. I'm not certain, but I think the photo for this 1971 card is the same one used for the 1974 Topps Leading Fireman card.

Question for 1971 Topps Baseball Enthusiasts...

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