What do you guys think of this Brown Old Mill back?
 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1909-1910-19...item3f26224a63

Definitely not brown.

100%
 

not brown

Still Browner than most Black Old Mill backs...
 

Josh,

That card (and that seller) has been brought up on here several times.

If you click on the "Search this forum" button on the Net54baseball Vintage (Pre-WWII) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions page and type in Irishhosta, you will see the threads where this has been discussed.

I haven't looked at the old threads, but have there been issues with Irishhosta? I agree that this clearly isn't a brown old mill and I haven't dealt with him in years, but from my recollection ( and again, this goes back probably 10+ years ago), he's seemed to be a pretty decent guy to deal with.

Anyone know if "hosta" is Gaelic for "bullshit"?

If they're saying it's a Brown Old Mill, then it "hosta" be true! :D

not even close....

Is there an action that we can take to do anything about this.

Good luck with that....

Lol then I won't bother. I guess if this guy's been brought up before I wouldn't be doing anything anyone hasn't already done before.

What's really goofy is that it looks dark black and doesn't even have a chance to be brown. Usually when someone is in the middle on the color, you can see why. This example is someone just trying to pull someone in...lame bs

I contacted the seller to call him out on it.

"Thank you for your feedback.

The card is accurately described. Please read the description.

Regards,

- irishhosta"

Ha, in text way down below he admits it's "brown/black" and not handcut so can't even possibly be a true brown Old Mill.

I guess you could try to sell a t206 Heinie Wagner as an "almost Honus"....

On a more serious note: I have had several lower-grade Old Mills that indeed do appear almost brownish due to fading--when you see a true brown one is it very clear or very slight?

Not brown.

I'd suggest jumping up and down with your hands crossed screaming "not brown not brown not brown not brown not brown..." over and over again...but all you'll end up with is a little cardio workout.

It's quite clear. You should know right away. Not too much grey area with a real brown old mill.

Here is a thread with some side-by-side shots:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...light=old+mill

I think my Bastian could pass off for brown better than that card.

http://www.net54baseball.com/album.p...ictureid=17994

The brown ink appears to be the same ink used for Hindu backs. It is a light brown. Since Southern Leaguers were only printed with Old Mill, Hindu or Piedmont backs, it could be that the printers just mixed up the ink.The Brown Lenox, on the other hand, is a dark shade of brown, unlike any other back in the set.

Regarding the Brown Old Mill, I've been told that "If you're not sure if it's brown, then it's not brown."