Can I recut a hand cut card?

tireolddawg · #1 08-07-2025, 09:19 PM

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?

DeanH3 · #2 08-07-2025, 09:42 PM

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

tireolddawg · #3 08-07-2025, 09:57 PM

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.

raulus · #4 08-07-2025, 10:00 PM

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.

Fred · #5 08-07-2025, 10:57 PM

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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perezfan · #6 08-08-2025, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred

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!

BillyCoxDodgers3B · #7 08-08-2025, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred

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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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.

Musashi · #8 08-08-2025, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tireolddawg

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.

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"

Section103 · #9 08-08-2025, 01:36 PM

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.

gonefishin · #10 08-08-2025, 02:12 PM

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.

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