1952 #313 Thomson
 

We all know about the stitching on the ball being different directions, but here are some other features about this card.

On the reverse, the ball is touching the left margin on one, but not the other. This is recurring.

On the obverse, there is a yellow top to the fence or whatever is at the left, leading to his cap. The other version does not have this. This also is recurring.

The yellow obverse is on the same card with the version that has the ball touching the margin on the back.I looked on both eBay and COMC and have concluded that this is the way these cards were done. I recall that this, along with Mantle and Robinson, were double printed and thus the differences.

Thomas—I have both of the Mantle, Robinson and Thompson stich versions and agree there are other front and back differences on each beyond the stitching. The Mantle differences are often pointed out, more so than the Thompson and Robinson. It was my impression in each case the differences are consistent depending on which version of the stitching is involved. Also agree it seems to be DP issue.

Good eye on the Thomson. That is something I never noticed before even though I have the yellow top version. (Tough card to find centered)

Oddball Mantle recurring print defect: 1967 Laughlin World Series 1964 card
Stain on Mantle's pants.
https://d9nvuahg4xykp.cloudfront.net...9917626452.jpg
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/qwkAA...gWl/s-l800.jpg
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/pyAAA...1IO/s-l800.jpg
I just bought the one above. Let's see what it grades at PSA. Centering for this issue is solid, but I would have preferred the non-stain variant.

I recently noticed this curly line on top of my Dale Mitchell card (colored part) which is more noticeable on the colored top right corner.
Did a quick search; it is not common but but not rare so I highly doubt it could be classified as a variation.

That's just a red plate shift, due to a mislignment during the printing process. Not really a recurring print defect.

Thanks John. I didn't think it was anything special or unique. I am home sick and just getting bored. :D

Read the COMC primer I just posted then. Are OPC cards plentiful in your area? You could make a bunch sending them in to spend on 1952 Topps. BTW, I'm posting from a bed in the hospital; had awfully painful back spasms on Monday.

I read that, thanks.

I would assume OPC cards are more plentiful around here but with the lack of any decent card shops, I really have no idea what the ratio could be?

Sorry to hear about your back. That is never a fun thing to deal with.

Get well soon, John. :)

52 Mitchell
 

Agree it is not a “variation” and is s print misalignment, but why would a recurring misalignment not be a recurring print defect ?