I’d like to say this card is hockey’s Andy Pafko, but it really isn’t. The 1951-52 Elmer Lach is Andy Pafko. If anything, this card is worse. It’s also the first card in a set and prone to getting bashed, but to make things nastier, it’s the biggest star of the 1940s and one of the top two of the 1950s. Nice versions can run upwards of $1200. I love this set, but this card always stood in the way of my hopes of ever finishing it.
Normally with vintage, there are certain things I avoid: I hate slant cuts, creases, stains (unless it’s easily removable OPC wax) and dings. Centering doesn’t bother me so long as I have a visible border on all sides.
This card is a moderate slant cut, has a stain, a wrinkle, corner touches and is off center.
And it’s absolutely perfect.
1952-53 Parkhurst #1 – Maurice Richard
That’s a lot of text for a really small card. That’s part of the reason I love this set.
PSA is pickier than me, and in this case, I’m couldn’t be happier. There are still some tough cards left in this set, but this was far and away the worst of them. Terry Sawchuk awaits.
Diamond Cuts and Wax Stains 
Awesome card. I remember pulling Rocket’s autograph out of a pack of Beehive back in the 90’s. It’s one of my favorite cards in my collection… even though it’s nowhere near as cool as your single.
I have an autograph of the Rocket on a sheet of notebook paper. My dad happened to be sitting next to him on a plane. Not bad company. 🙂