My proposed hobby book...........................

[Bob Lemke]

Back in the early-mid 1990s we (SCD) published a book with every known counterfeit card. That was in the days before everyone had scanners and laser printers. There were probably 50-75 or so. We had detailed microphotos and other information on how to spot each known fake.

I think the book had a cover price of $19.95. If it prevented a dealer or collector from getting stuck with just one fake card, he would have more than made up the cost.

I believe there were three editions and I doubt if 5,000 copies in total were ever sold. And this was at a time when it was believed there were 20,000+ brick-and-mortar card shops in operation around the U.S.A.

In one of the editions, we DID have a list of known reprint sets, as well; the Larry Fritsch Cards sets, Galasso, Card Collectors Co., etc.

On a different note . . .

When I was doing the Standard Catalog, I began compiling checklists of the many 1980s-1990s "broder" sets, both the actual Broder-produced cards and the many imitators. Information, especially complete checklists, was not so easy to come by in those pre-internet/eBay days, but I had information on about 50 such sets.

They were entered into the book's data base, but the information was never published.

[theseeker]

#13 Today, 04:09 PM
Bob Lemke
Bob Lemke
Member Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Iola, Wis.
Posts: 374

Good luck, but . . .

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"Back in the early-mid 1990s we (SCD) published a book with every known counterfeit card. That was in the days before everyone had scanners and laser printers. There were probably 50-75 or so. We had detailed microphotos and other information on how to spot each known fake.

I think the book had a cover price of $19.95. If it prevented a dealer or collector from getting stuck with just one fake card, he would have more than made up the cost.

I believe there were three editions and I doubt if 5,000 copies in total were ever sold. And this was at a time when it was believed there were 20,000+ brick-and-mortar card shops in operation around the U.S.A.

In one of the editions, we DID have a list of known reprint sets, as well; the Larry Fritsch Cards sets, Galasso, Card Collectors Co., etc"

Would you happen to know the title of the book and which edition had the list of the known reprint set? Mr Lemke......anyone...........

[brob28]

Bob, that would be a great book to have and is exactly what I'd love to have. Any idea on where I could come by one or the title so I can ask around?

[theseeker]

Not Bob but, I looked it up and this must be it......"Sportscard Counterfeit Detector." There are indeed 3 edition; 1992, 1993, and 1994.

Don't know which contained the list of reprint sets so I bought all three on Amazon. I'm a bit impulsive at times and besides all three were under $30.00.

[steve B]

They're pretty good books too, although they do get a bit tedious because the same sort of things are in the list of what to look for. I have the first two, and didn't know about the third.

I don't think either lists legit reprints, just fakes meant to decieve.

I have a fake that isn't in the book, and it predates any other fakes I've seen. Wood isn't in the 120 series. I got it in 1978 at a show.
Of course I'd be quite happy to find out it's not fake.

Steve B

[brob28]

Originally Posted by theseeker

Not Bob but, I looked it up and this must be it......"Sportscard Counterfeit Detector." There are indeed 3 edition; 1992, 1993, and 1994.

Don't know which contained the list of reprint sets so I bought all three on Amazon. I'm a bit impulsive at times and besides all three were under $30.00.

Thanks for the info John. I ordered mine tonight, looking forward to what information is within!

[forgerelli]

Instead of a book why not just build a website? I'd be interested in either one.

I actually collect reprint sets. They're cheap and fun. I also like a lot of the retro or fantasy stuff and collect almost all of it, except the Helmar stuff which is just ridiculously expensive. No way am I paying that much for a fantasy card when I could get the real thing for the same price.

I have that counterfeit card book (somewhere). It saved a friend of mine $600 on a fake 86-87 Fleer Jordan. It was definitely useful and an update book or website would be great.

Scott F

[theseeker]

where are you?

I just got the "Sportscard Counterfeit Detector by Bob Lemke and Sally Grace, 3rd Edition" book courtesy of the USPS. Great work, including the exhausive list of Reprints. The reprint list included the complete Hassan Triple Folders set. I was told by many in the hobby, incluuding Larry Fritsch's son, that no such set exists. The six cards in one of the Dover books was all there is. Yet I seem to recall ordering a nice, glossy full set from the Card Collector's Company in the early ninties.

Is it a case of mistaken memory? Could the legendary Bob Lemke have made a mistake on his list? --OR-- WAS THIS COMPLETE SET INDEED MADE INTO A REPRINT? Bob? Sally? Anybody?