PGM Sub-Mariner 1!! :) 2 2

[Jordan Morris]

Let me know what you all think.

[Jordan Morris]

On 9/17/2022 at 5:37 PM, Jordan Morris said:

Let me know what you all think.

Revised pictures with no bag. 

[scburdet]

couple of things here that could make this go one of several directions. There's some ink along the bottom edge of the back, and on both sides of the cover around the staple. That *could* be distributor's overspray. Look at the comic end on and see if there's blue ink along the outside edge. That would be the best indicator of overspray, which won't hurt the grade. If it's something else, it might get dinged pretty hard. There's definitely some paper oxidation/sun shadow/dust shadow along the top edge of the front and some non-ink staining at the bottom left of the front. CGC is coming down hard on stains and discoloration. I would look carefully at the inside cover, especially edges, as well as the interior pages for evidence of discoloration. The more there is, the lower this could go. I'm going to say 5.0±0.5 just b/c CGC hates the discoloration defects so much. It would present a bit better than the number on the holder.

[grendelbo]

This always has been and always will be a tough book to grade. 

7.0

Thanks for posting.

[zzutak]

Interesting takes!    The circled/boxed blemishes sure look like the results of contact with free water -- rust staining around/below the bottom staple, and ink transfer (from being "stuck" to the next book down in the pile) on the back cover.  So I'd ask the OP for additional data:

• Is there rust on the bottom staple?
• Does any of the interior paper (like the centerfold) have rust staining around the staple?
• Are there any tidelines on the inside covers at the circled/boxed locations?

 

[Jordan Morris]

On 9/18/2022 at 3:12 AM, zzutak said:

Interesting takes!    The circled/boxed blemishes sure look like the results of contact with free water -- rust staining around/below the bottom staple, and ink transfer (from being "stuck" to the next book down in the pile) on the back cover.  So I'd ask the OP for additional data:

• Is there rust on the bottom staple?
• Does any of the interior paper (like the centerfold) have rust staining around the staple?
• Are there any tidelines on the inside covers at the circled/boxed locations?

 

There is some rust on the bottom staple. How bad will that dock the grade??

[zzutak]

On 9/18/2022 at 7:54 AM, Jordan Morris said:

There is some rust on the bottom staple. How bad will that dock the grade??

Condition grading does not work like this, Jordan -- specific defects do not have fixed/specific point or grade increment deductions (although they can lead to well-established maximum grades, as in the case of a book with a missing leaf or leaves).

Grading based on a few images is always challenging.  However, the OPs need to give the graders who frequent this forum a fighting chance by disclosing any hidden or non-apparent blemishes and defects.  So how about providing us with a close-up image of the bottom staple and responding to the other two questions I posed above (via images or words).  I guarantee that grade estimates will follow.   

[Jordan Morris]

On 9/18/2022 at 3:12 AM, zzutak said:

Interesting takes!    The circled/boxed blemishes sure look like the results of contact with free water -- rust staining around/below the bottom staple, and ink transfer (from being "stuck" to the next book down in the pile) on the back cover.  So I'd ask the OP for additional data:

• Is there rust on the bottom staple?
• Does any of the interior paper (like the centerfold) have rust staining around the staple?
• Are there any tidelines on the inside covers at the circled/boxed locations?

 

There is rust on the bottom staple. As far as rust staining on the interior I do see some rust staining throughout the book (as pictured here). I’m not sure what you meant about tide lines so I just took so more pictures of the inside covers. Let me know what you all think!

[zzutak]

On 9/19/2022 at 3:22 PM, Jordan Morris said:

I’m not sure what you meant about tide lines so I just took so more pictures of the inside covers. Let me know what you all think!

These are all great shots, Jordan.  Much better than I expected, and very, very useful.   

Your book has a heavily rusted bottom staple with extensive rust staining to both the cover and the interior pages.  Rust migration of this severity weakens the paper around the staple and often leads to a partially or completely detached cover.  Indeed, it look like the back cover is detached at the bottom staple.

 

The wavy lines of discoloration inside the red triangle/rectangle are known as tidelines.  Tidelines result from contact with free water.  They're called tidelines because they resemble what happens as the ocean water/wave recedes from the shore.

   

You book actually has a pretty nice structure, with relatively little handling wear.  However, the moisture and rust staining is quite significant and rather distracting.  Other defects include the heavily rusted bottom staple, the partially detached cover, and the oxidation halo visible on the top edge of the front cover and both inside covers.  All things considered, I think you're looking at a maximum condition grade of 3.0 GD/VG.

Thanks for working with me.  I hope this helps. 

Edited September 20, 2022 by zzutak

[Jordan Morris]

On 9/19/2022 at 8:09 PM, zzutak said:

These are all great shots, Jordan.  Much better than I expected, and very, very useful.   

Your book has a heavily rusted bottom staple with extensive rust staining to both the cover and the interior pages.  Rust migration of this severity weakens the paper around the staple and often leads to a partially or completely detached cover.  Indeed, it look like the back cover is detached at the bottom staple.

 

The wavy lines of discoloration inside the red triangle/rectangle are known as tidelines.  Tidelines result from contact with free water.  They're called tidelines because they resemble what happens as the ocean water/wave recedes from the shore.

   

You book actually has a pretty nice structure, with relatively little handling wear.  However, the moisture and rust staining is quite significant and rather distracting.  Other defects include the heavily rusted bottom staple, the partially detached cover, and the oxidation halo visible on the top edge of the front cover and both inside covers.  All things considered, I think you're looking at a maximum condition grade of 3.0 GD/VG.

Thanks for working with me.  I hope this helps. 

Awesome that helps a lot. Thank you!! Going to just skip pressing and send to CGC and hope for the best. 

[grebal]

Might nab a 3.5, but agree with zzutak more likely 3.0 cap.

Interior pics of bottom staple were key - brought me down from 5.0+ range (because of smudges/ink on front and back).