Bomber-Bob

These are not easy to find.....

He mentions in the Q & A section that the fortress desiccants go from Pink to Blue when they need changing, adding they have been Pink for 27 years. I may be wrong but I think they go from Blue to Pink = Pink means need to be changed. His valuation on the AF15 is 66K. The resto left lots of stains. I also suspect some spine realignment. The book does not look good.

An eclectic mix but really high grade.................

First off, stuff like this happens all the time = not worth getting aggravated about. Second, what do the notes say. Third, specifically what is your question ?

Why are you making derogatory comments at me ? Do I even know you ?

This was discussed in another thread. It appears they do not downgrade in 9.8 for a slight mis-wrap but they will downgrade for a mis-cut.

This is the kind of chatter we usually see in a Sales thread. The agenda is obvious. It's all good. Whatever.

I just bought a slabbed book from Peter. Excellent communication and service. He shipped immediately, gave me Tracking, and the packaging was bullet proof. A smooth transaction all around from a top notch seller.

I think the chips can be pressed, however, they can also come off. Happened to me on a big key book with a top tier presser.

Good points Hector ! The first thing a new presser should learn is how to identify the right candidates. You can tell a lot of the newbies only think of the press as a money making machine. They are not thinking about the books, the hobby, or the science. It bothers me because a lot of their product goes into the marketplace.

Well, it is very neatly signed, good penmanship. However, the size and placement is befuddling. I don't know. I would think this book is in the 9.2ish range and at this level CGC would not ding it. In 9.6/9.8 I could see one ding down. No hammering.

I think #4 has the least chance. Look at the bottom right corner, besides a big crease, the whole corner has a loss of color. Trust me, CGC will hammer that color loss. I also think I see a tear on the top edge, upper right corner crease, etc. Not much a press will help with here.

Yes, I agree. I do not feel comfortable with rusty staples. I have received a 9.8 on a copper book that had a touch, and I mean a tiny touch of rust. I didn't catch it until I got it back. I suspect it was also missed @ CGC also.

I still have nightmares over that picture. It was a Hulk 181 in 9.8 I believe. The staples weren't just rusty, there were turning to dust. It was post grading and led to the gun safe discussion. I still say something, above and beyond, must have happened there. Even with high humidity, no way the staples look like that only months after slabbing.

And I agree with your comments. The Cole Shave books were a disaster and even highly respected pressers can screw up. On the topic of professionals screwing up, I have a couple comments. I think Matt himself is top notch. The problem is he hands most of the work over to his staff, some of which are simply not 'Matt'. The higher profile pressers get a lot of work with demands of fast turnaround. I think the problem is not their skill set but they are rushing the job and not doing the work properly. In either case, I just don't think the home grown pressers can compare to the work of a professional. Adding proper humidity, understanding the different inks and paper involved, employing spot pressing, these are all skills that take a LOT of time and experience. Recognizing the difference in pressing across all genres and types of books, GA to Modern, Square bounds, books with signatures. Recognizing good candidates, recognizing which books should not be pressed, avoiding staple tears and damage. Rocket science, no, but science, yes. It's simply NOT that easy.

The funny thing is this really works.

This is what scares me about this advice, you make it sound too easy. As if 95% of the learning is buying the press. After a bunch of experimenting he will 'think' he has learned to press books and put more bad product into the marketplace. I am not a presser but I respect the art and recognize it takes some natural skill and a lot of knowledge about paper preservation. When I go to my doctor or dentist, I like to see some diplomas on the wall. I like to use licensed plumbers and electricians in my home. I'm sorry but I do not like to encourage these home grown pressers trying to save a few dollars. You get what you pay for. Sorry.

I concur. If the grade would have been substantially lower in a Blue label, CGC will often give a Green instead. According to the label, there is the same stamp additionally on the Back Cover. I'm sure they will give you a Blue label, if requested, but is it worth it ? The ink is very smeared so it will probably get hammered, comparable to a stain. I could easily see a 6.5 given here.

I see some SCS going on in the inner well. I'm going with an 8.0 label but 7.5 with the SCS.

Bad advice. He is trying to save money. Not only expensive but a press will really consume the electricity. Here is a better technique, taking advantage of some established heat. Books come out perfect .

It is a Very Strong 7.5, in fact, so much so CGC gave it an 8.5 !!! Great looking book, strong colors,White Pages, WOW !

Just being honest, these type of threads, asking for free advice on pressing, don't go over too well on these Boards. It will not end well. My advice is to use the search function as this has been discussed before. In between the sarcasm you may find a few nuggets of information.

Yes, instead of DIY, send it to a professional.