Cases. Holders? Cases...

[jchcollins]

In the realm of ungraded cards, can anyone recommend a card case or holder that is neither a screw-down, top-loader, or Card Saver I for the larger 1952-56 Topps cards that actually looks decent?

As a kid, I loved screw-downs for some of my nicer cards - but of course now we know why not to use those. I don't know, I have a '56 Mantle in about VG that's not really worthy of professional grading - and I'm just looking to put it in something a little beefier than the Card Saver I it's been living in for the past few years since I finally liberated it from an old screw-down.

Suggestions? Thanks.

[swarmee]

Better than a toploader, you're probably looking at a Snap-Tite or a One Touch magnetic. I'm sure they make both for 52-56 sizes.

[bnorth]

Does BCCG grade them? I know the uninformed hate BCCG but I believe that was the reason Beckett done it. It is more for collectors wanting to protect their cards instead of putting them in a magic plastic holder to make them more valuable.

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Does BCCG grade them? I know the uninformed hate BCCG but I believe that was the reason Beckett done it. It is more for collectors wanting to protect their cards instead of putting them in a magic plastic holder to make them more valuable.

I hate BCCG and I am not uninformed, trust me. The problem is they try to fool the uninformed by assigning grades like "8" to a card that is only EX in attempts to get someone to think it's the equivalent of what "8" means in the rest of the grading world. I just think it's very shady. I certainly would not send in a card to be slabbed just for their case.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[irv]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Better than a toploader, you're probably looking at a Snap-Tite or a One Touch magnetic. I'm sure they make both for 52-56 sizes.

From looking myself, neither of those 2 will work for the larger 52 Topps cards as far as I know.

I was very close to purchasing these (Pro-Molds) but since I was having trouble obtaining them in Canada, I decided just use vintage top loaders with vintage sleeves.

These would have been preferred for sure. They were exactly what I was looking for but I looked to no avail.
https://www.pro-mold.com/vintagecardcases.html

[toppcat]

UVA protection is a nice feature. Don't believe PSA and SG have that.

[spaidly]

Just bought a Pro Mold holder for my lone Old Judge card. You're right, a Card Saver is so wimpy for such a nice card that I don't want to get graded. I'll let you know what I think when I get it.
Scott

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by irv

From looking myself, neither of those 2 will work for the larger 52 Topps cards as far as I know.

I was very close to purchasing these (Pro-Molds) but since I was having trouble obtaining them in Canada, I decided just use vintage top loaders with vintage sleeves.

These would have been preferred for sure. They were exactly what I was looking for but I looked to no avail.
https://www.pro-mold.com/vintagecardcases.html

Wish they offered a size for 33-34 Goudey.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Better than a toploader, you're probably looking at a Snap-Tite or a One Touch magnetic. I'm sure they make both for 52-56 sizes.

+1

Not really a fan of the snap-tites just because I don't like the way they look, but live and die by ultrapro one-touch. However, Irv is right, they don't fit the odd size. Have to go with pro-mold for any odd sizes as they make them for almost every issue.

Happy to see ultrapro did come out with a tobacco size one-touch though.

[bmattioli]

Oh shit.. I'm freeing them now.. Thanks!!

[bmattioli]

These have been laying flat for quite sometime but got lucky.. I'll do more later after the games and ordered some Pro Mold holders to store them. I can not believe they could cause that much damage..Thanks again!!

[Bigdaddy]

I just liberated around two dozen cards from various types of screwdown and snap-tite holders. The cards varied from early 50's (55' Koufax) to early 80's (84T Mattingly) and had been stored on end for maybe 25 years.

Fortunately, the only card I had any problem with was a 1983 Wade Boggs RC that stuck a bit to the top plate on a screwdown. I used a razor blade to pry it off, but lost a tiny bit of paper in the process. Ended up putting them all in toploaders.

Didn't think of the freezer trick at the time, but we did use to do that back in the early '80s to get the gum to not stick to the cards. Wax boxes of baseball cards in the freezer.

[bmattioli]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

As a kid, I loved screw-downs for some of my nicer cards - but of course now we know why not to use those.

Why should these not be used again? I would love to know since I have quite a few of them..

Thank you..

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by BruceM

Why should these not be used again? I would love to know since I have quite a few of them..

Thank you..

They ruin cards. Cards love to stick to them so when you go to remove the card from the holder not all the card comes out. If you have the flat ones without the recessed area for the card they will press the card and distort it in size also.

[irv]

Originally Posted by BruceM

Why should these not be used again? I would love to know since I have quite a few of them..

Thank you..

What Ben said below your post, but if you didn't screw down the cards tightly and laid the cubes on their side instead of their backs (To keep the weight off the card) you may get lucky?

I panicked when I read about those cubes on here as my Mick and Mays were both kept in those cubes for over 25+ years!

Luckily, I only screwed them down just enough to hold the card and laid them on their side as when I removed my cards, I had no issues, thankfully!

P.S. Forgot to add. If you do find your cards are stuck, do not force them off. Place them in the freezer first before attempting removal.

[swarmee]

Yeah, the main problems with old screwdowns are from moisture getting into the card and then having no way to get out, essentially steaming the card and causing the ink to stick to the case.

[jchcollins]

Thanks all for the responses here. I just pulled the trigger on a 5-pack of one screw Pro Mold's for the 1952-56 Topps size. They should be here next week at the latest. Will let you know what I think. I like the idea of the UV protection - not that I display my cards much anymore, but I have seen some nice cards ruined before after years of sitting in display cases under bright fluorescent lights. Ugh.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[spaidly]

Got my Pro-mold case for my Old Judge. I love it. Has good heft and makes the card feel like a museum piece. Sorry the photo is out of focus.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by spaidly

Got my Pro-mold case for my Old Judge. I love it. Has good heft and makes the card feel like a museum piece. Sorry the photo is out of focus.

Is that Pro-mold recessed? I can't quite tell.

[irv]

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

Is that Pro-mold recessed? I can't quite tell.

I believe they are all recessed?

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by irv

I believe they are all recessed?

Haven't used them before, but you are probably right.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[spaidly]

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

Is that Pro-mold recessed? I can't quite tell.

It is recessed.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Alright, I have reread this thread a couple of times and looked at the pro-mold site. Is there an advantage between the magnetic and the one screw holder? Also, if I were buying pro-molds for '65 Topps baseball, which thickness do I pick for the one screw holders? Would that be a 20 point thickness?

Edited to add: I found the answer to my question. The 20 point is considered a "regular" card. So, back to my original question: one screw or magnetic?

[irv]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Thanks all for the responses here. I just pulled the trigger on a 5-pack of one screw Pro Mold's for the 1952-56 Topps size. They should be here next week at the latest. Will let you know what I think. I like the idea of the UV protection - not that I display my cards much anymore, but I have seen some nice cards ruined before after years of sitting in display cases under bright fluorescent lights. Ugh.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Looking forward to seeing some pics of your 52's in those holders, John, if you don't mind posting them up?

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by irv

Looking forward to seeing some pics of your 52's in those holders, John, if you don't mind posting them up?

I don't have 52's to put in them at the moment, but do have some 55's and 56's. Mine just came in today, and I've already put the '55 Jackie Robinson that led me to start this thread in one. Very pleased. They are basically like a graded card case with the recessed area, and the diamond-tip cutouts for the corners, but then close with a screw obviously instead of a hermetic seal.

I will post some pics tonight once I get a few more cards in the other ones I bought, but yes - for $2 or so a pop this will be my new go-to case for ungraded going forward.

Thanks again all for the advice!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[jchcollins]

Anyone ever really test the "UV blocking" capabilities with Pro-Mold? That's got me intrigued. Says "5+ years" of blocking 99% of UV rays. I don't display my cards much, but the way I am I get paranoid even about the fluorescent lights in my closest where my cards live. And those stay off 90% of the time!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Anyone ever really test the "UV blocking" capabilities with Pro-Mold? That's got me intrigued. Says "5+ years" of blocking 99% of UV rays. I don't display my cards much, but the way I am I get paranoid even about the fluorescent lights in my closest where my cards live. And those stay off 90% of the time!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Actually fluorescent puts out massive UV, enough to get a tan based on studies. LED is the best for protecting color. Almost all museums have switched to LED lighting.

I have not seen any color loss, but I display in a basement with LED strip lighting that is only on if I am looking at them. However the UV protection provided by PRO-Mold and Ultrapro is better than nothing, and that is what all the TPGs have.

[irv]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

I don't have 52's to put in them at the moment, but do have some 55's and 56's. Mine just came in today, and I've already put the '55 Jackie Robinson that led me to start this thread in one. Very pleased. They are basically like a graded card case with the recessed area, and the diamond-tip cutouts for the corners, but then close with a screw obviously instead of a hermetic seal.

I will post some pics tonight once I get a few more cards in the other ones I bought, but yes - for $2 or so a pop this will be my new go-to case for ungraded going forward.

Thanks again all for the advice!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I wish they were sold in Canada but I exhausted all leads. I really wanted these for my 52's!

Looking forward to seeing your pics.

And, you're Welcome.

Originally Posted by JustinD

Never heard of that and I have been using them for years. The magnets are coated with some metal as to not wear.

I put mine in graded card bags for storage and to prevent scratches so it's not an issue.



Please do as you enjoy for your collections.

When I was searching early last year, I read a bunch of reviews and I recall reading about 1 person (only 1) who stated that is what happened to his.
I don't recall reading about anyone contesting that claim, so I thought there might have been some truth to it?

Like I mentioned much earlier in this thread, I just went the route of new Vintage top loaders and sleeves as that was basically my only option.
I haven't gotten around to switching everything over yet, as, like you, I want to purchase team bags first to put them in to help with scratches and hazing.
Hopefully I can find/purchase Team Bags that will work/fit snug/securely with my Vintage Top Loaders?

[jchcollins]

Ok, here are the first 4 in my oversized Pro Mold 1-screw's. Very pleased with the look, but have to admit upon closer examination - there is one thing that is bugging me. The cards (with the exception of the '55 Bowman...) all move around a bit in the case in the recessed area. The 56's move up and down pretty easily. The 55 Robinson will move if I try a bit harder. Is this a big deal? I've read other articles on graded cards that move in their cases from time to time, and the consensus there was it's not really an issue - and even people who tried have not been able to damage the cards when they move them. Someone even did a test putting a graded card in a paint can shaker like they have at Home Depot, and claimed that did not damage the card. Let me know what you think...

[irv]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Ok, here are the first 4 in my oversized Pro Mold 1-screw's. Very pleased with the look, but have to admit upon closer examination - there is one thing that is bugging me. The cards (with the exception of the '55 Bowman...) all move around a bit in the case in the recessed area. The 56's move up and down pretty easily. The 55 Robinson will move if I try a bit harder. Is this a big deal? I've read other articles on graded cards that move in their cases from time to time, and the consensus there was it's not really an issue - and even people who tried have not been able to damage the cards when they move them. Someone even did a test putting a graded card in a paint can shaker like they have at Home Depot, and claimed that did not damage the card. Let me know what you think...

I'm not sure if envious is the proper word, John, but I sure wish I could get those!
They look great, imo.

Thanks for sharing.

[jchcollins]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

John, I don't think that looks bad at all. I do, however, share your thought that a vintage size sleeve and toploader might be just as good as long as you aren't trying to display the cards. Good either way. Nice Jackie!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[irv]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That looks good, imo, John.

I have recently put a few of my 52's in the vintage sleeves and top loaders that I purchased, and I also like them.

I just need to buy team bags for all of them now to keep the scratches and scuffs to a minimum.

If I was displaying my cards, I'd bite the bullet and purchase some Pro-Molds state side and do exactly as you did.

[jchcollins]

Thanks guys.



Well, after messing with 3 or 4 more screw downs tonight, I finally said screw it and am back to toploaders. Simplicity works best, I think. For more than just a few cards, the setup with the Pro-Mold and aligning the penny sleeve (which is too big) correctly in the case is just too much of a pain. After I stripped about 2 screws just now, I took them out and a minute later everything was tucked nice and neat into toploaders. They provide good protection, they look good, and they are cheap and very easy to work with / quick to change cards in and out of when you need to.



I think I was making an easy solution difficult from the start just out of the desire to try something different. Thanks to those of you that hung in there with me on this thread.

[irv]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Thanks guys.



Well, after messing with 3 or 4 more screw downs tonight, I finally said screw it and am back to toploaders. Simplicity works best, I think. For more than just a few cards, the setup with the Pro-Mold and aligning the penny sleeve (which is too big) correctly in the case is just too much of a pain. After I stripped about 2 screws just now, I took them out and a minute later everything was tucked nice and neat into toploaders. They provide good protection, they look good, and they are cheap and very easy to work with / quick to change cards in and out of when you need to.



I think I was making an easy solution difficult from the start just out of the desire to try something different. Thanks to those of you that hung in there with me on this thread.

That's too bad it didn't work out, John, but reading your story, if it's any consolation, saved me from pursuing some in the near future.

I honestly thought these would work perfect for guys like us, but hearing how much they moved around, I guess that isn't the case, sadly.

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by irv

That's too bad it didn't work out, John, but reading your story, if it's any consolation, saved me from pursuing some in the near future.



I honestly thought these would work perfect for guys like us, but hearing how much they moved around, I guess that isn't the case, sadly.

No problem. It was a $10 experiment that I was glad to pay for. For me from here on out it will be sleeves and toploaders or card savers for anything that is not graded. Other cases are just to difficult to use en masse.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[jchcollins]

The look with a slab on top of a sleeve is a bit busy, to be sure. I don't mind how BVG slabs look, my only problem was with the Pro-Mold cases and the cards moving. But yes, toploaders and sleeves are very easy and inexpensive and the cards look great in them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[irv]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

No problem. It was a $10 experiment that I was glad to pay for. For me from here on out it will be sleeves and toploaders or card savers for anything that is not graded. Other cases are just to difficult to use en masse.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Same, and like you mentioned, they look great in there.

Originally Posted by tiger8mush

Dale, are you using a CCD printer, like a Canon Canoscan? If not, I highly recommend one. They are relatively cheap - just over $100 new. You'll want to rescan your entire collection and they work great on all slabs (BVG included).

Rob

I am using a HP Photosmart C4780 (Print-Scan-Copy) that I have had for quite a few years. No idea if it's a CCD or not, however, but I assume it is old tech relatively speaking?

I think the problem with the BVG slabs is the bags/sleeves they put inside them mostly? Some bags are fairly smooth/even but some others, which are my worst scans, are bagged up so to speak.

In my FlickR link, there are around 10-15 graded PSA slabbed cards, and although you can tell they are based on the pic quality, none of them are as bad as my recent BVG graded card scans.

I'll have to look into one of those printers, Rob. With my ever failing eyesight, I need the best I can get!

Thanks