1951 Topps Magic
 

Posted By: <b>Mike</b><p>This set has been driving me crazy for quite some time now. Between the gloss cracking on the backs, the scratch-off sections, the perf stubs, and the front ink colors fading ... I can't seem to complete the set in much higher than EX/MT-ish condition.<br /><br />Which one of you guys is sitting on all of the minty looking Magic cards I need! <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Mike<br /><br />PS - Just spent the last hour reading all these football threads. Fantastic info! I really hope this forum takes off!

1951 Topps Magic
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>Mike,<br /><br />I may have some you like--tell Artie, Fuzz, and our fb dealer friends to start posting here.

1951 Topps Magic
 

Posted By: <b>JimCrandell</b><p>Love these cards--Here is Tom Rushing.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1190588935.JPG">

1951 Topps Magic
 

Posted By: <b>Fred Y</b><p>Another very interesting FB set as it features only College players.<br /><br />Once again, this set of mine was put together from packs 56 yrs ago & stored away until recent yrs---it remains complete as I bought it back then w/ no additions or upgrades ever made.<br /><br />Most of my backs were very neatly & completely scratched and contrary to what Mike says he usually finds in search of nice examples, I have hardly any w/ cracked glossy backs and the colors remain as nice as when purchased.<br /><br />Mike--I'm not sure what you mean by perf stubs? Are you meaning that some were issued in panels/strips like '51 Topps Ringside boxing cards?<br /><br />Anyhow, here are 2 pages, F & B, of my set. Note the pink color on the reverse of #20---Not sure if it's sweet pink bubble gum or a printers mark!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q285/fyoung17/51tmfba.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q285/fyoung17/51tmfbb.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q285/fyoung17/51tmfbc.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q285/fyoung17/51tmfbd.jpg">

1951 Topps Magic
 

Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>Fred,<br /><br />Those are absolutely stunning cards of a very difficult set in high grade. Wow--I am very impressed. Have you considered having them graded?

1951 Topps Magic
 

Posted By: <b>Fred Y</b><p>Thank You for the compliment--and I definitely agree--it IS a very tough set in High Grade.<br /><br />So many cards were badly cut and there were many straight from packs that were out of register also.<br /><br />The glossy-type finish on the reverse was very suscepible to "crazing" over time and too vigorous removal of the silver coating led to scratching/tearing of the picture underneath.<br /><br />As for grading--yes, I am considering it. Just last fall I made the plunge & had my '52 Large set graded (minus 21 cards--See '52 thread), but it is a rather large expense as you well know! <br /><br />PS--Alas, My Vic Janowicz is cut right along the black on the rt border!

1951 Topps Magic
 

Posted By: <b>JinCrandell</b><p>Fred,<br /><br />If you sent in say 500 at once I would guess PSA would do it for $6 per card.<br /><br />Jim

1951 Topps Magic
 

Posted By: <b>Mike</b><p>Fred,<br /><br />Thank You!! Yes, "Crazing" ... I knew there was a more appropriate word for it, but I couldn't think of it. (it was bugging me too ... tip of the tounge thing).<br /><br />Anyway, the crazing seems to be the biggest killer of getting NM's or better when you grade them. Also, unfortunately, the scratched backs will usually keep them in PSA 6's holders. I've seen a few exceptions, but not many. I think the graders are still trying to get a handle on how to consistanly grade these cards, as I've been getting back grades that seem to conflict with prior submissions.<br /><br />As for the perf stubs, I'm really not sure why some have them and others don't? I use to think that the ones without the stubs had been trimmed, but as I'm seeing more and more of them surface, I'm guessing that they were just distributed several different ways. Some must have been traditionally sheet cut while others were perf cut, and maybe distributed in some type of panels? I've heard 2-up from several people, but I still haven't seen one to confirm it.<br /><br />I've also noticed what looks like 2 different types of perf cuts, so the panels may have been laid out in different configurations, or distributed in different 2-up / 4-up type quantities? One has about 7 touch points along the bottom, and maybe 3 on the top. While the other has more of a straight ----------- perf look along the bottom. Maybe there was two seperate print runs, or maybe a blade change during the perf run? I really don't know, and unfortunately, I still have more questions than answers.<br /><br />Speaking of which, I couldn't tell by your statement above (Fred) ... did you personally pull those cards out of packs? If so, do you remember how many cards came in a pack, and did it include gum? BTW, nice looking cards!<br /><br />Hopefully, some collectors with more experience than me will chime in on this thread and answer some of these questions I have.<br /><br />Either way, I'm glad to see it start to gain some interest ever since PSA finally decided to include them in the SMR price guide.<br /><br />Now, if we could just get them to recognize (and grade) the 1948-52 (W-468) Football Exhibit cards, we'd have another great vintage set to play with!<br /><br />Mike <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />