The odd thing is that these are both graded by a company called Global Authority (www.globalauth.com). I had never heard of them before. It appears they are part of the previous company called Global Authentication, Inc. (GAI) which had a mixed reputation as an autograph authentication service from what I've read. They "slab" the cards they grade simply by placing them in an ultra pro semi rigid case, and putting a printed "tamper evident" sticker over the opening.
Nothing wrong with that. And they appear to be cheaper than other services. However, the Smalley card I bought, graded as a 4.5, is listed on the sticker as a 1952 Topps, when it is really a 1948 Leaf. I have to wonder if they were also grading a '52 Topps of Smalley and got the stickers mixed up (which would mean the grade is probably wrong too), or if they just got the card type and year wrong.
So far, I'm not impressed. I don't have cards graded, so I won't be using their service anyway.
