This listing, the Aflac Duck and Yogi Berra's logic.
 

Now you have a mental picture of my reaction to this listing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1933-DELONG-GUM-...item35b3769809

Original vs Alterations/restorations--where are we headed?
 

Hmmm...interesting. A restored/altered card with good eye appeal seeking to soar in value above scarred and time tested originals with honest wear. Apart from the entrapreneurial force at work, the situation presents a significant philosophical question. One that comes home to roost in one instance, as I have a 1935 Diamond Stars Foxx that I originally bought as a raw NrMt many years ago for $400, only to have several grading companies deem it trimmed. Still had PSA slab it the last time, with the label reading, "Authentic; Trimmed." Quite frankly, I prefer this card in my collection due to its outstanding eye appeal (no creases, well-centered, little to no apparent wear) to a well-worn and/or well-creased example, and have no intention of seeking a replacement for the card soon, even with Foxx being one of my favorites. On the other hand, I did not keep it for the purpose of latter attempting to sell it for profit.

If this is what you were getting at, Brian, does anyone else have any thoughts about what it says regarding what direction the hobby is headed, and the ramifications of taking that path?

Intriguing post.

Larry

Seller obviously should mention why it is "Authentic." In the larger sense an untrimmed original Foxx Delong is "Authentic" as well. I do believe that he has a point that many collectors would prefer a fresh looking slightly trimmed card as this (appears to be) to a ragged "1 or 2." Then again many would not. Listing is certainly less than forthcoming IMO.

for me
 

For me I would rather have a nice looking 1-2 over an AUT card. However, if the 1-2 looks like a piece of poop, and the price of the AUT is ok and I am buying it knowing what I am buying, I might prefer the AUT....Certainly a personal choice and might be a good poll :)>

There does seem to be a growing place for altered but authentic cards, letting the market determine precisely where they fit. This is a far better situation than that of restored but undetected cards making it past the graders and passed off as the legitimate deal. Wrongdoing that goes undetected for awhile, in my experience is eventually dragged kicking and screaming out into the light of day, for all to see, and there will be a tumultuous outcry when the latter situation is finally exposed on a grand scale IMHO!

Larry