Judging the Authenticity of Early Baseball Cards

by David Rudd Cycleback

Chapter 4 : Special Equipment

(c) cycleback 2003, 2005 all rights reserved

#1) Longwave Black light Also known as an ultraviolet light or UV light, a black light is inexpensive, simple to use and great for identifying many reprints and fakes. With bit of instruction and practice, even the beginner can get good results. In a dark room black light make things fluoresce (glow) different colors and intensities. The intensity and color of the fluorescence is based on the atomic structure of the material. Even if two cardstocks look the same in normal daylight, they can fluoresce differently under black light. As detailed later in this booklet, the fluorescence of cards allows collector to identify many reprints and fakes that might go unnoticed in daylight. Black lights can be bought in many science, hobby and rock shops (certain models are used to identify gems and crystals). Many handheld models can be found in the $10-$20 range on eBay. It is recommended that the reader buy a longwave instead of a shortwave black light. While shortwave lights are useful in gem and stamp authentication, the longwave is much safer and all you need for trading cards. Most inexpensive examples offered on eBay are longwave. It is the responsibility of the reader to learn the safety precautions. Directions that accompany the black light should be read and followed. With proper use, longwave black lights are safe and even used by kids. Tips on effective use of black light A black must be used in a dark room, the darker the better. Take a minute or three to let your eyes get adjusted to the dark. The cards being examined should be on something that does not fluoresce. Something that does not fluoresce will appear black under black light. If your background fluoresces too brightly, it can be hard to judge the fluorescence of the cards. It's best for the card to be removed from any holder. The holder itself can have a fluorescence or otherwise mask the card's fluoresce. Shine the black light on all sides of the cards. Some cards and photographs have coatings on one side. For comparison purposes, you may wish to have a shard of modern paper that fluoresces brightly. Between the black table and bright shard, you will have a range on the spectrum for comparison. Practice using the black light. See what cards from all years look like under black light. Feel free to look at magazines, books, typing paper, glass, plastic. Antique glass (lamp shades, vases, bottles) fluoresce a variety of interesting colors. #2 Hand-held Microscope of 50x or more power As shown in later chapters, microscopic examination of a card's printing is used to judge the age. There are many different and affordable styles. 100x (100 times power) pocket-sized examples can be found on eBay for under $20, and do a credible job. Many have a built in light which is a great convenience. Go to eBay and do a search for pocket 100x microscope, or similar wording, and a few will likely pop up. cycleback.com................cards main (c) david rudd cycleback, cyclback.com all rights reserved

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