PGM - American Air Forces #1 (1944) - GRADE IS IN!

[Amadeus Arkham]

Thinking of buying this one on eBay. I know the covers will flatten out with a press, but the bottom staple and water stain on the first page frighten me. Thanks.

 

 

Description:

American Air Forces #1

 

No. 1, Volume 1, 1st print, Flying Cadet Pub.(1944)

 

Golden Age War

 

Classic German war cover

 

Charles Quinlan art

 

Nice copy, solid overall.

 

Staples have rust, rear cover is loose at bottom staple, centerfold is secure.

 

 

Copy number two came back as 5.5 CR/OW pages!

[divad]

3.5

[Amadeus Arkham]

3.5

 

I'm assuming that's as-is? Even if I press it, will the staples and loose cover prevent it from getting anything higher?

[timfinz]

3.0 IMHO! I couldn't give you an honest answer on the pressing question. I don't know if pressing water damaged books can achieve anything. Have you read through Joe Post's I love joey post thread?

[Amadeus Arkham]

Yes. He said he could get the rippling on the covers to come out, but was curious about further water damage. I e-mailed the seller and he said the only other damage to the book was the stain near the 'N' in "INVASION!". The price isn't terrible so if it can be pressed into a 6.0 or so, then I'll pull the trigger. But I'm thinking the rusty staples and loose back cover will not let that happen.

[rjpb]

3.0/3.5 as is. Pressing would certainly improve the appearance, but 6.0 seems unlikely with the rusty staples and other unpressable flaws.

[Amadeus Arkham]

So in your opinion, what would the max be with a Joeypost press? 5.0?

[timfinz]

So in your opinion, what would the max be with a Joeypost press? 5.0?

I know in my opinion I think you'll max out at 4.0 to 4.5 depending on Joey, who works miracles by the way, so you never know!

[rjpb]

So in your opinion, what would the max be with a Joeypost press? 5.0?

 

That's probably a question for Joeypost, I'm aware of his reputation for an almost supernatural ability to "improve" books, but the bleed from the rusty staple, the other small spots and stains, the tears at the lower staple, and probability that some evidence of creasing would remain, should put it short of 6.0 - but maybe not far short - 5.0 seems a quite reasonable target, and I wouldn't be completely surprised by a CGC 6.0, as, especially with mid-grade GA books, I'm never quite sure when they are easy on certain flaws and when they're not.

[Amadeus Arkham]

Okay, thanks. It seems like a pretty rare book in mid-grade. I made an offer on this copy, which was posted as a VG/F.

 

[timfinz]

Okay, thanks. It seems like a pretty rare book in mid-grade. I made an offer on this copy, which was posted as a VG/F.

 

Without knowing the condition of the back cover I would say 5.0 as it sits. This copy is better visually than the other copy and the staining is not nearly as perceptible on this book.

[Amadeus Arkham]

Thought so. I'm just waiting on the seller to respond to my offer. I don't mind paying over Guide for a sentimental book, but I'm not insane.

[Amadeus Arkham]

The seller accepted my offer! I got it for $15 less than he was asking and I got $9.00 off thanks to eBay Bucks!

[rjpb]

If the second copy can be had for not much more than the cost of the first and a press, then it's the obvious way to go, as I don't think copy 1 is ever going to look that good.

[Amadeus Arkham]

BREAKING - Grade is in.

 

 

After a press from Joeypost, it's a 5.5 Fine - with Cream to Off-White pages

 

 

Thanks to all for your help.