Small Traditions LLC Accused of Card Trimming

Small Traditions LLC owner David Thorn is being accused of some big time card trimming. 

Blowout Forum member, 3124508 on COMC, lays out significant evidence that shows many before and after items that have been trimmed or altered by Thorn. 

> Original Forum Thread

3124508 on COMC is the same forum member who has helped expose numerous card trimmers including Gary "Scissor Hands" Moser and former NFL player Evan Mathis. 

In addition to the card trimming, Thorn is believed to have a special relationship with PSA.

David Thorn

Thorn has attended invite only PSA events where high volume submitters like Small Traditions are able to meet with PSA’s graders in order to discuss discrepancies with cards that appear to be under-graded.

According to a letter Thorn sent Small Tradition customers, "the PSA Invitational event is one of the best opportunities of the year to realize successful reviews, when an under-graded card can be discussed in person and “bumped” to the next grading level."

PSA CEO Joe Orlando

Small Traditions also sponsors PSA's monthly sweepstakes, a contest for members on PSA's email list. 

Thorn is also accused of creating fake provenance for many items sold through Small Traditions. 

To make his auction description look and sound better, Thorn will create fake "finds", fake collection breaks, and fake consignors. In actuality, these items were things Thorn purchased individually on his Smalltraditions eBay account, and in most cases, are also trimmed.

Despite the card trimming relations of 2019, it didn't hurt PSA's business.

In fact, 2019 was a record year for the company. PSA has achieved revenue growth in 32 out of the last 33 quarters.