Opening Old Baseball Cards
For many collectors, there is something truly magical about opening packs of old baseball cards in search of discovering treasures from the past. Whether it’s chasing after a coveted rookie card of your favorite player or simply enjoying a walk down memory lane, opening vintage baseball cards after decades sealed away can be an exciting experience. For those with cards sitting untouched in attics, basements, or storage units for many years, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before ripping into those wax packs or sliding cellophane wrappers. In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover best practices for properly opening and caring for old baseball cards to preserve their condition and value for years of enjoyment to come.
When first looking at old sealed cards, take stock of their condition and packaging. Wax packs can deteriorate over time as the cardboard weakens, so handle gently to avoid damage. For loose packs,inspect closely for any tears, crushed areas, or residue buildup that could negatively impact the cards inside. Cellopacks often fair better, but thin spots in the plastic where cards might poke through are a red flag. Proper storage is key – avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, or excess moisture that speeds degradation. Cards stashed in damp basements decades ago for example may not be in optimal shape.
Assuming packaging is intact, there are few good opening methods depending on the specific product. Wax packs are tricky as decades allow wax to harden like cement. Gentle heating with a hair dryer on low can soften just enough for cards to slip out intact, but go slow to prevent melting or warping cardboard. An X-Acto knife can also carefully slice open edges. Cellopacks are easier, just slide a sharp blade between seal and cardboard back to make a starting point unwrap from. Avoid excessive folding that could crease. Emptying loose packs requires even more care – lift layer by layer to keep order and not damage corners.
When the first card appears, inspect closely before fully removing. Look for indicators like brown spots, stained edges or curled corners signaling potential water damage inside the sealed package over years. Yellowing is normal for very old cardboard, but other signs point to possible mold issues. In severe cases, it may be best to avoid opening further and risk contaminating the remainder. Water spots can sometimes be avoided by shielding problem areas during opening. Just remove cards carefully one by one under good lighting.
Proper handling is crucial once cards are out in the open air. Natural oils from our skin can damage the surfaces, so don’t touch the fronts or backs except very gently by the edges when rotating to view. Lay cards flat and do not bend, as decades allow the cardboard to become quite brittle. Minor warping may occur and is preferable to a snapped card. Admire from a safe distance at first until seals and packaging residue fully dry out. Brushing off debris gently with a soft-bristled brush or blowing can help cleanup without risk of scratching surfaces.
Plastic protection like toploaders, magnetic or screw-down holders are highly recommended to preserve condition longterm once examined. Even “mint” appearing cards from sealed packs may degrade rapidly when subjected to environmental factors unprotected after so many years sealed away. Sleeving and storage in rigid card boxes or binders allow for safe organization and archival. Avoid keeping loose in stacks that can rub and damage surfaces. Proper preservation with plastic barriers is key to maintain that “fresh out of the pack” look and feel cards had on opening day decades ago.
With care taken in how they are opened and handled going forward, those forgotten cardboard treasures from years past can still provide enjoyment and a true connection to baseball history for collectors. Take your time, inspect packaging closely beforehand, and maintain protective barriers to preserve condition as much as possible considering the passage of years. Following these best practices allows appreciating a glimpse back in time by opening an old pack of cards without risking damage to the artifacts inside. With a little patience and care, rediscovering the hits from yesteryear can still deliver thrills today for collectors of any era.
