Lots of ugly tape on X-Men #1 0

[Dan82]

Hi folks, I agreed a deal on an X-Men #1 woohoo! But it has this awful tape all over it, and what looks to be another piece... From another book no less, added to the top right corner of the cover! I hope to have it here tomorrow. These are the only (terrible) pictures I had to work with. I'm wondering can, or should, this tape be removed? Is it something I might tackle myself or might I have a professional look at it? Is it restoration to remove the tape? Once the work was done, what grade could it reach?? I will take some better pics once it lands.

Cheers, Dan

 

Edited February 1, 2019 by Dan82

[marvelmaniac]

All depends on what the tape is holding together and the overall grade of the book without the tape.

Tape does not affect the grade of books in GD/VG 3.0 and lower.

CGC's stance on tape is...

https://www.cgccomics.com/news/article/3327/CGC-Modifies-Stance-on-Grading-Submissions-with-Tape/

Posting better pics when the book arrives will help us make a better determination on what you are asking.

[Dan82]

That's quite surprising to read that they will grade it as if the tape wasn't there, I do wonder though, it says cellophane tape, looks like duct tape or masking tape was used on this one, since we can't see through it must surely affect the grade... And that top right corner  

I do want it removed already, spoils the look. If anyone can recommend a specialist I'd appreciate it. 

[faster friends]

Cgc has an in house service that will remove the tape for you.

[Dan82]

Well it arrived, and I'm a little disappointed with the condition. I removed the tape and three extra staples that went straight through the book. And the piece of cover that was from another book! Of course the cover is now detached, but at least it opens up fully. Anyway, it's on eBay, it's not the book I was hoping for and it's not staying in my collection for long... The hunt continues!

[W16227]

how did you remove the tape?

 

.....

 

[Dan82]

3 hours ago, W16227 said:

how did you remove the tape?

 

.....

 

Actually, with very little effort at all. I think this 'modification' was made many, many years ago, the tape had almost no grab at all left to it and just came away easily, but it's left most of the glue on the book. I've read this tape glue residue can be removed but I'll not be attempting that. There is still a piece of tape on the inside front cover I'm leaving alone too. 

The staples were removed with needle nose pliers. I didn't like that the book wouldn't open fully with the added staples in place. And I figured my removal of the tape and staples wouldn't affect the already rock bottom grade. Please correct me if I'm wrong about any of this.

Here's a quick snap of what came off it minus one staple that's been lost. Just look at that tape! It's set in the shape of the book it was added too, my guess 40+ years ago! And that corner is from another book

Edited February 6, 2019 by Dan82

[marvelmaniac]

The book is a FR 1.0 with or without the tape and extra staples, however it is also a UK edition which is not my cup of tea (pardon the pun) but there may/will be a specialized collector looking for UK books.

[serling1978]

I don't know if a collector has to be specialized to be in the market for a pence priced book. To each their own, but personally I find them interchangeable as far as collectability.  Same print run, just a different price plate was used at the end. Not enough of a difference to me to matter. 

[speedcake]

You said it is on Ebay, as in you've listed it for sale on Ebay?

[marvelmaniac]

I know you were disappointed/unhappy with the book but I just need to say...

Even an "X-Men #1 with lots of ugly tape" (well Loved to me) is better than not having an original X-Men #1 at all.