Did someone trim my Sock? (Sockalexis, that is)
 

I will start off by saying I don't usually get to post on this side of the board, so I get excited when I finally pick up something really old and cool.

Last year, I was lucky enough to acquire a real Sockalexis post card for my Maine collection. I never thought I would get one of those. I sent it off to SGC (mostly for the protective case) and, I got a pretty good grade (SGC 30). Since the population is 1, I would say that I got the highest graded Sock in the world. Lol.

A month ago, I saw there was a guy selling a pile of postcards on ebay. In that pile was ANOTHER Sock post card. Except he didn't mention it. And it looked GOOD. Obviously, some others saw it too, because I paid up for it. Then the seller asked me if I was a Sockalexis fan after I won; which made me wonder why he didn't mention it in the listing. So that was weird.

The plan was to send it in, make sure it is legit, upgrade, and sell my old one.

But I got it in hand, and it is BEAUTIFUL. I actually became slightly alarmed because it looked too good. I sent it off to SGC immediately, and got good news, and bad news.
The good news is, it is authentic. The bad news is, they didn't grade it. So I emailed and asked. They replied and wanted to see it again.
So, I sent it off again, and just got it back today. There is a little note with it that says "TRM Top Edge". And it is still a grade of "A".

I have measured this thing six ways from Sunday, and for the life of me I cannot see it. Both cards are exactly 8.5 cm wide and 13.7 cm long. I even resorted to counting the shingles on the top of the barn (now my eyes kind of hurt).

Has anyone ever had any experience with card coming up short, but you think it is not? When the experts trim, is it impossible to tell?

In any event, I am really bummed, BUT this card is so awesome, I think this is the one I will end up keeping, and I suppose I will sell my other one.

One (or all?) of you guys once told me, buy the card, not the holder, so yeah, I get it. But my OCD is bugging the heck out of me. Well, I am off to measure it one more time...

The left border is the difference to my eye.

ETA: fantastic piece either way.

Oddly there is less image on the right side as you lok at it on the trimmed one. look at the gentleman who is almost completely cut off in the top one, he is half there in the other one.

Sean, I was an under bidder on that lot. It would not concern me in the least. I would take your authentic one every time, the Bangor shop stamp on back only adds to the appeal. If I were you I'd bust it out of that encapsulation and simply enjoy it for the beauty it is. Grading simply does not translate to postcards, particularly RPPCs. I actually prefer posted postcards which grade Poor every time. Enjoy your find!

LOL yes both sides are slightly different but what is missing on 1 side is made up for on the other side. At least that is what it looks like to me.:)

Best bet would to be look at the edge under magnification and look for any difference in the edges.

Oh, I almost forgot.

In hand, the left side has less of the guy, but the right side seems to have more fence. But my buddy said it was normal for the actual image to vary slightly on these things.

Thanks! I don't have much experience with post cards, so it makes me feel better that there might not be anything wrong with it after all.
I guess that settles it for me, I am keeping this one!

I have never seen the one with Bangor shop stamp on the back until now, but I did think that was cool.

I am going to keep it in the case, because I am paranoid something might happen to it if I don't!

Thank you for your help.
Sean

Nice PCs...honestly, if it were me, Id keep 'em both.

Hahahaha. Yes, I did think of that.
But, uhhhhh...the home accounting office didn't like that idea, if you know what I mean. :D

Many of us report to a similar office I'm sure.

Can never have enough inventory in the warehouse is what you tell the accounting office... lol

Home accounting office says the inventory is spilling into the kitchen...

There is an appeals process for this as well, just fill out the forms and make sure she gets something nice.

Oh, believe me, I was reminded of those forms just about an hour ago. Lol.

Good point. I hadn't noticed that.

Nice PC's! The type collector in me says to do the same thing.

Me too, they are different. I love the backstamp too!!

So you were the guy who outbid me on the postcard on ebay :) Nice pickup, but I was shocked when I did not win it for the price I put in. I already have a couple examples of the postcard, but I believe there are two versions. There are only 5-6 legit collectibles picturing Sockalexis in the world so you cant have too many and that is a really nice one!

Guilty. :rolleyes:

I have seen at least three variations of this card.