agamoto Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 So I've got this Hulk 181 that's really nice otherwise, but with two major faults. First, is a 3/4" tear near the middle back cover that's been reinforced with tape on the inside back cover. Second is a 1.5" tear along the spine, lower third above bottom staple. The area near the bottom staple is intact and unaffected. It's also been reinforced with tape. So, just wondering what to expect if I send in as is, perhaps with a mild press and clean. What if I could remove the tape with targeted tape removal chems used on the tape itself? Should I send it in for CGC restoration and try and get a conserved grade? Images attached...Thanks to everyone in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flashlites Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 Tape is a sticky subject! Best not to attempt removing it yourself. Very tough to make a call on this one! Grading it as is I will take a stab at it and say it may be in the 4.0 range. You have to take into account how well the book looks otherwise, maybe 6-7.0 without the tears and tape. But these defects are very significant and normally found in the 2.0 range or lower, so I split the difference and am guessing 4.0. I would love to hear from some other Boardies and see what they might have to say about it, especially when it comes to getting it restored and slabbed with a purple label. I will take a pass on commenting on that question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agamoto Posted June 15, 2019 Author Share Posted June 15, 2019 4 hours ago, flashlites said: Tape is a sticky subject! Best not to attempt removing it yourself. Very tough to make a call on this one! Grading it as is I will take a stab at it and say it may be in the 4.0 range. You have to take into account how well the book looks otherwise, maybe 6-7.0 without the tears and tape. But these defects are very significant and normally found in the 2.0 range or lower, so I split the difference and am guessing 4.0. I would love to hear from some other Boardies and see what they might have to say about it, especially when it comes to getting it restored and slabbed with a purple label. I will take a pass on commenting on that question. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theCapraAegagrus Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 What are your intentions? If you plan on selling it - leave the restoration removal/conservation to the experts. Otherwise, I would bag and board it rather than give it the PLOD. It looks very nice as-is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-Mo Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 I think it is a 4 or 5 with a press and clean. There is still gloss on the cover but the damage brings it back down. DO NOT remove the tape. GCG does not consider tape restoration. You can still get a blue label if there is no colour retouch or trimming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davet75 Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 interesting book to grade. it has the eye appeal of a F/VF, but those defects drop it into the VG maybe VG/F range. I think a skilled press and clean nets you a CGC 5.0 The Lions Den 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bomber-Bob Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 Couple thoughts. If the tape on the staples is holding the cover on, it will be a very low grade. Given there are over two inches of tears, that alone would limit it to 5.0 . davet75 and The Lions Den 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supa-Bad-Mofo Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 I agree with the majority. I have a book that presents like a 7.5, but has moderate water damage/tide lines at the top of the book...it graded @ a 5.0. I think this book may fall into the same category, nice book with a couple severe defects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obiedagod Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 4.0 agamoto 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agamoto Posted August 19, 2019 Author Share Posted August 19, 2019 Appreciate the comments everyone! I expected it to be a 3.5 or 4.0 with the tape, so I'm happy to hear it might not be as low as I expected. I'll keep my expectations low, just in case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agamoto Posted September 5, 2019 Author Share Posted September 5, 2019 Update... Book has come back after a clean/press/grade at 4.0, as expected. flashlites 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flashlites Posted September 6, 2019 Share Posted September 6, 2019 4 hours ago, agamoto said: Update... Book has come back after a clean/press/grade at 4.0, as expected. Thanks for the update! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Spider-Woman Posted September 7, 2019 Share Posted September 7, 2019 It is a very nice book. Too bad about the major flaws, though. Glad you got the grade you expected Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
