Fakes, Trim Jobs and other signs of Tampering

[Archive]

Posted By: Ted

This board is rife with experts in all of the vintage cards and also in all the ways that those cards have been altered or reproduced. As a collector/dealer and new to many of these older issues, I am trying to gain knowledge to protect myself from buying, or heaven forbid, selling a card that results in seeing one of my auction listings linked on this site with accompanying words of scorn, suggestions of fraud or accusations of stupidity. To that end perhaps y’all are willing to share any known resources that may help many of us to identify some or all of the issues on the list that follows. If this resource is not out there, maybe some of you author types would consider writing such a book or article using input from each of those board members with special areas of expertise. Or maybe somebody would want to put on a seminar to raise a little cash.

While third party grading will probably be suggested as a way to be sure of the authenticity of a card, that does not help when making a quick decision at a show or for large lots of commons that might not justify the cost of third party grading. I know that handling many cards will bring experience, but I don’t have tons of cards to handle, and don’t want to buy a bunch of junk from which to learn. I have Lew Lipsett’s book, but am looking for something more specific on these particular issues.

While there are no doubt others, here is a list of issues that are high on my list:

•Alterations. Discussion on ways to identify doctored cards.
•Trimming. How to tell the difference between trimming and factory miscuts.
•Reprints. Known reprints with specifics on how to tell the difference from authentic cards.
•Fakes. Specifics on known counterfeits and how to tell.
•Specific Card Set Issues. A discussion by issue of irregularities that are original to the set, versus known experiences with attempts to defraud.

This post has been prompted by seeing threads referring to things like the T 206 Nodgrass discussion, the Goudey reprint item and numerous posts asking for opinions of fake or real on ebay auctions. I just want to learn as much as I can.


Ted
He who so shall, so shall he who.

[Archive]

Posted By: jay behrens

Doing a search on those topics will provide you with a lot of the answers you are looking for.

Jay

I've just reached Upper Lower Class. I am now officially a babe magnet for poor chicks.

[Archive]

Posted By: Ted

Jay:

I know there are bits and pieces of some of this items, but I am seeking more of a handbook or other resource that I and others could use to quickly look up a card set, say the T-206, and learn what I need to know quickly.

I know several past threads would be great input for such a work, but has anybody ever attempted to organize and put together in one place, with indexing some of these issues?

Ted
He who so shall, so shall he who.

[Archive]

Posted By: davidcycleback

I already posted this link in another thread

http://www.cycleback.com/baseballcards/

My recommendation to those are interested in the subject is to read and do the "Five important things for readers." If they do and learn how to do those five things, they will be able to both identify most fakes and identify most vintage Pre-1920 cards.

Collectors can always email me questions or practical problems they have when looking through the guide or trying to apply things to the cards they own. (In case no one has figured it out yet, I wrote the above guide).

The best thing a collector in any area can do is to collect and enjoy looking at the material. Anyone who collects 1971 Topps will identify a counterfeit 1971 right away, because it looks different. Anyone who has been collecting T206s will identify a fake T206 Honus Wagner because it looks bad.

For basebll card collectors, there's no replacement for hands on, in person experience ... In fact, I'm finishing a book on judging the authenticity of photographs and, guess what I write to photograph collectors: "There's no replacement for hands on, in person experience." If I ever write a guide to Ming vases or 1800s paintings, I will likely include the same line.

[Archive]

Posted By: Darren J. Duet

This site is filled with all the info you are looking for and more--look through all the previous posts and utilize the search function.

[Archive]

Posted By: Ted

Thank you David. That is exactly what I was looking for. Most of what I needed all in one place.

Again, while the board may have bits and pieces about some individual concerns, a search of prior posts without knowing what you don't know, and while standing with a card in hand far from you internet connection does not help. David's article does.

Thanks,

Ted
He who so shall, so shall he who.

[Archive]

Posted By: Harry

Ted - I had the same exact thought (and posted it before I read your post) that some sort of conference/seminar is needed to educate those of us that are looking to learn and expand our knowledge. I would be more than willing to travel and pay for such a conference where I know I would be able to walk aware with a wealth of knowledge.

David - You have produced an amazing resource and I want to personally thank you for your willingness to make that available and share it with the hobby.

Harry