Did you ever hear about the Inspectorscope? Well, it was created by Andre Chiavelli in the late 1980s. It was the first card-checking device created to inspect cards for restorations, hard-to-see creases, and cards that had been doctored.
Back in the day, people who were known for restoring artwork got into the card business and were restoring cards without collectors knowing. For example, they were taking a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth and rebuilding the corners to look more squared off instead of rounded, therefore creating a much higher value.
The Inspectorscope had a blue light and a white light mounted inside, with high-power magnification, and could create a dark environment—even at card shows with bright lights. That was one of the key features. It was like a portable periscope. With the blue light on, you could detect where they restored the card. It would turn a deep purple to pick up any paint, resin, or foreign substance—signifying the card had been tampered with.
It was really amazing. It also had a white light inside with magnification that could pick up any hard-to-see wrinkle or crease in the card, again allowing the collector or dealer a better look at the card’s condition.
The Inspectorscope totally changed the business, as restorers could no longer get away with it. Thousands of collectors and dealers had them. I’ll never forget going to the National Card Show in Houston, Texas, and every dealer had them at their tables—including the famous Mr. Mint!! It was a huge success.
This then led to PSA and SGC starting companies that would take the process further by doing the checking (like with the scope), but encapsulating the cards and giving them a grade—thus the beginning of grading!!!
So we are proud to say we cleaned up the hobby and laid the foundation for the grading companies.
