PGM my two copies of ASM 28 0

[JohnH19]

The top copy was purchased from my LCS on Saturday as an "upgrade" for the bottom one. I'm not so sure that it is an upgrade, though.

The bottom copy is nicer except for the tape pull on Molten Man's shoulder. Thankfully, it isn't on the black. The only other notable flaw is the white spot close to the spine. It's centered perfectly, the edges and corners are nice, and the cover is smoother and slightly glossier.

The top copy has that diagonal crease that would be helped by a press, the bump at the top corner, creasing along the top and bottom, it's off-center, and the staples are on the back cover which creates gutter loss in the second half of the book. Despite all of that, it's still a nice copy of the notoriously delicate 28.

Which one do you all think is the keeper? Is the tape pull the deciding factor? How much does a tape pull affect the grade?

Thanks all!

[The Lions Den]

I like the bottom copy better, even with the tape pull. I don't think the top copy is an upgrade. I think they're both in the same territory as far as the grade goes, at least regarding the front cover appearance. 

A tape pull depends a lot on the severity, size and location. Since the pull on the bottom copy is so prominent and there are some other issues as well, I'd be in the 5.0 range depending upon how nice the rest of the book is (it sounds like structurally it's pretty nice).

The top copy is roughly in the same area, but I really don't like that big crease on the upper right, and the book appears to have more general wear than the bottom copy. I'm thinking more like 4.5 on that one. Personally, I wouldn't bother pressing either one of these books---like the saying goes, run your winners long and cut your losses short. To be honest, I'd likely sell both of these copies and keep searching for a nicer one...

 

[Bomber-Bob]

The top copy has a lot of hard, color breaking creases. That long diagonal crease is also color breaking. A press may smooth it out, but will not improve the grade. The second copy presents better but as soon as you see the tape pull, that's all you can stare it. I agree with the LIon's evaluation above. The first copy is NOT an improvement. I would try and return it.  Tell them you compared it to your existing copy and you don't like it. If they are a good LCS, they will oblige. Sorry.

[The Lions Den]

3 hours ago, Bomber-Bob said:

The top copy has a lot of hard, color breaking creases. That long diagonal crease is also color breaking. A press may smooth it out, but will not improve the grade. The second copy presents better but as soon as you see the tape pull, that's all you can stare it. I agree with the LIon's evaluation above. The first copy is NOT an improvement. I would try and return it.  Tell them you compared it to your existing copy and you don't like it. If they are a good LCS, they will oblige. Sorry.

Thanks Bob! I hope this helps...

[JohnH19]

I just traded emails with the owner of my LCS. He’ll take it back. Thanks for your comments, guys!