1964-65 Topps Tallboy NHL Hockey Card Set

[TommyCanuck]

Hi,

I have 100 of the 110 1964-65 Topps Tallboy NHL Hockey Card set that I believe has pretty-good value among hockey sets in general. I'm now considering selling, but I'm wondering the best approach in consideration of additional background below.

I've owned 95 of the set since I was 9 years old back at that time, and I bought 5 other cards a few years ago with the idea of completing the set (in 2008 actually, when I joined here), only for home display (now want to sell). However, back in the day, unfortunately I glued (water-based) the set into a scrapbook. I recently researched how to properly remove the glue/paper without damaging the cards by submerging in water until each card separated on its own (about 5 min.), then I wrapped each in a paper towel and dabbed for about 10 min. to remove as much water as possible, then double-wrapped in paper towel and placed between books with weight on top for a few days. So far as I can tell, they turned-out great without any damage. A professional grader may find otherwise, but I have read that this process tends to work without any adverse affect when pro grading after. I'm sure there are differing views on this which I am interested to know. I'd probably have to spend about $500-750 to complete the set.

With the foregoing in mind, I'd appreciate your response to the options I've listed below, and any opinions you may have.

- Complete the set before selling (worth most all together)
- Piece-out the set (more work/time-consuming, but can make more money)
- Sell as the current incomplete set
- Keep the set for own enjoyment (water submersion makes it of little value, even the high-priced ones)

If you think I should sell, any views on having the set graded? I do have the scale breakdown of the most-prominent pro graders which I will refer to if I rate by myself for an idea to the buyer.

My thanks.

Tom

[reoddai]

Hey Tom,

Welcome to the site.

I had my own set when I was that age. It was the much less desirable 88-89 and unlike your water base glue, I was "smart" enough to staple the cards together. See, that way the teams are kept together rather than the random setup that the manufacturer chose. Genius!

I found them a few years ago and after putting aside the 'holy' cards, I decided to complete the set and still have it to this day. I'm very happy that I kept it, but I also didn't have to spend hundreds of dollars to complete the set.

- Complete the set before selling (worth most all together)
Instead of worth, I think you mean "worthwhile" in the sense of enjoying putting it together. You nail it on the head in your next part...

- Piece-out the set (more work/time-consuming, but can make more money)
There you go. If you want/need the money, then yes, selling each individually will net you the most, but boy, what a headache. I'd honestly rather put together a set, then sell it, rather than piece it off one by one. Especially if we are talking nearly 100 cards, water damaged or not. If you do plan to sell it, you may want to be very clear about the process that you used to remove them from the book. You definitely don't want any unhappy buyers because of that.

- Sell as the current incomplete set
Easiest way to go. Is it the most satisfying?

- Keep the set for own enjoyment (water submersion makes it of little value, even the high-priced ones)
Here's what I would chose, but not because of the value comment. If you say that they look good and dry and without water damage, who am I to disagree? If you have a nice binder you can put them in there for display and keep it around. After all, they're a childhood memento and unless you are hurting for money, is there a real need to get rid of them?

SCF doesn't have a ton of vintage collectors, but they are around. You may want to showcase these cards in our show & tell forum. I'm sure people would love to see these cards and you might even encourage people to collect them if they look snappy.

Cheers,
reoddai

[TommyCanuck]

Thanks for your thoughtful reply, reoddai!

I wondered for many years how to remove the glue/paper from the cards without ruining them. I was reluctant to try, but recently realized that if I don't, I can't even display for my own pleasure. So, I just went for it and it has seemingly worked-out, especially since my intent has always been to complete the set and frame/display them on the walls of my rec room. For this purpose, I didn't care if the missing cards I'd buy would be mint or not, as long as they were similar to the condition of those I have (which may be mint even with washing, I'm not sure). Maybe they aren't worth much, and only worth to keep for myself.

Perhaps I should choose one and send it for pro grading? That would give me an indication of whether my washing process worked, or not? If I do, should I mention that the card has been washed, or just let them report on the condition?

There's a particular guitar I want to buy and I could use the money to make it happen. This is why I'm considering selling my set. I'm torn about what to do and how best to do it, especially since to complete the set to sell it, I'll have to spend money (that I don't have, but can get) to make money. Btw, if selling I fully intend to make known the process I've used to prepare the cards. My best and easiest approach may be to sell the set as is, to get enough to buy the guitar I want. Hmmmm.

Thanks again!

Tom

p.s. Did I post this thread in the correct forum?

[reoddai]

You're in the rigth forum. This is hockey card talk and you are talking about hockey cards, so its all good.

Since you are looking for trading these cards into a guitar, let me make a further suggestion. When I collected the 88-89 sets, there were a couple of cards that were my favourite. My Hrudley card (LAK goalie), Roy, Lemieux, Shanahan and a few others. The names I didn't recognize, those aren't too important. Something I would have been equally happy with would be to just remove the cards that I liked from that set that had some sentimental value and then sell the rest. No need to fill a set, but retain enough that have the special memories for keeping and showcasing.

AS for grading, you will have two different camps. People who absolutely swear by it and people who hate it. I don't like grading because of several scandals that have happened in the past. Its really highlighted the subjective nature of the system. BUT, there are some cards that absolutely have to be graded because they can guarantee authenticity if nothing else.

For vintage, most people recommend SGC and you're lucky because SGc works in Canada easily. Its a lot harder to do BGS or PSA in Canada unless you know someone who already uses them. http://www.sgccard.com/

Dues to BGS's popularity (BVG actually for your vintage cards), SCF hosts some group submissions. The most recent one ended, but you can see the previous one here:
https://www.sportscardforum.com/threa...-Autos!-CLOSED

If you want to get in on that, just check out that forum to see when the next one will start.

Cheers,
reoddai

[TommyCanuck]

Cool, thanks for the info, including the link to group submissions. Much appreciated!