Can I recut a hand cut card?
 

Curious what folks think about recutting a hand cut prewar card. I have my eye on something that if I bought I’d want to trim off the massive white side boarders to cut it to where these cards are typically cut down to. It’s a card that was cut out of a notebook cover originally. Do people see this as kosher or a no-no?

I don't see why not. As long as there are appropriate borders left, you should receive a numerical grade.

I figured it would increase grading potential which is part of the reason I’m wondering if there’s sentiment that all cards should be left as they were found. Although I’ve seen discussion of cleaning cracker jacks which people don’t seem to have an issue with. Of course if the leftover boarders were interesting, like say a Hunters wieners card cut really big with all the extra writing, I would leave it be. But since all it is is extra white I’d want to trim it down.

Here’s an example of a situation where you could probably do it, but as you noted, it would be a bad idea to lose all of the borders here, even if it might improve the potential grade.

I hate it when I see these threads because all I do is say "hand cut cards and cards with coupons cut off should only get an AUTH grade". I just can't help myself.
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Fully agree!

I'm definitely down with your way of thinking here! Then, each card would find its own level regardless of the slab. It would fuel more individual research on the part of each prospective buyer, therefore building and increasing overall hobby knowledge.

People due have issues with cleaning Cracker Jacks. They just didn't show up in the discussion you were looking at. There's been many threads on Net 54 about soaking/cleaning, and opinions are pretty equally divided three ways (pro/con/nuance)

edited to add: I'm personally in the "nuance" camp, leaning towards "con"

I cant even begin to explain what this card looked like before I trimmed it to proper proportions. Hand cut cards are fair game so long as they remain within proper size.

I don't know about cutting a pre-war card, but I've cut several Post cereal cards in the past where they have excess as long as I don't cut the black border line. Yes, I've sent in for grading and they received grades. They are hand cut - there is nothing to say when.

I have considered busting out Lou to further cut him down, but I wouldn't want to make him skin and bones. It might affect his slugging prowess.

Brian

I think Lou has lost all of the weight he needs to.

As for cutting already cut strip cards. Sure, just keep as much border as you can. I have never thought hand cut cards should get numerical grades but then that wouldn't bring in more money for everyone.
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https://luckeycards.com/w521marquarddecalco.jpg

Brian, that trim job is impressive.

Since this card has a numerical grade I'm tempted to trim it, but it could come back authentic, so I don't think I'll bother.

Why would you want to trim it if it's already been graded? What are you thinking of doing that would potentially improve the grade?

I figured if you straightened the right edge it might go up to a 3. But that's just a guess based on some of the other cards like it I've seen. I just don't think I want to try it and end up getting a grader that decides it shouldn't have anything but an authentic. 89 of the 157 W551 Ruth's graded have been graded a PSA A, so the odds are not in my favor on a regrade.

I don't know anything about how these cards are usually graded, but I would think the amount you'd have to cut off the right edge to get it straight would make the right border much narrower than the left so even if it still got a numeric grade, I think it would hurt the eye appeal due to the asymmetry of the borders.

Back when I was working on my Hostess panel sets, I broke out a couple of PSA graded panels that I purchased, recut, and resubmitted. I broke out a 1975 panel with Joe Morgan graded a PSA 7 and turned it into a PSA 10. I also broke out a 1976 panel "L-Shape" with Pete Rose/Fisk graded a PSA 6 and turned it into a PSA 8. I thought I would share based on my experience. In each case the borders were originally cut uneven.

I agree with you. I like the symmetry now, and it would probably end up uneven if you just trim the right edge.

I hand cut a T206 Cobb and insisted it be put in an AUTH holder and it was by SGC.


Originally it was cut by a blind, cross-eyed fellow using a broken meat cleaver.

But the question has to be asked, does he have a sharp-eyed assistant??

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