Condition is a topic that's very near and dear to my heart. I've learned that it differs for many collectors, and that I'm pickier than most. But here is how I see it...

Acceptable/Expected:
* Pin or small nail holes (but not right up against a border)
* Puckering and/or slight cracking to the painted graphics
* Very minor surface soiling or fading
* One tassel (but not both) missing from either the top or bottom
* Loose stitching to spine, at very top or bottom
* Blunt (but not torn) Tip... many were simply made that way

Not Acceptable:
* Rips or Tears anywhere on the pennant (especially those that emanate from any border).
* Holes 1/4" diameter or larger
* Any holes close enough to a border that they're in danger of tearing through to the edge
* Ink writing anywhere on front of pennant (reverse side is ok, as long as it doesn't show through)
* Any alteration... especially when someone tried to re-create a pointed tip.
* Significant surface soiling/toning/fading
* Both tassels missing from either the top or the bottom


I can make exceptions for exceedingly rare pennants or oversized pennants from the teens. But otherwise, those are my guidelines. Eager to hear from others!

And then this leads to "What constitutes restoration" and what does not...

My view is as follows...

Not Acceptable Restoration:
* Cutting or trimming anywhere on the pennant
* Coloring in missing portions of painted graphics
* Filling in holes with felt from another "donor" pennant
* Replacing, re-stitching or re-gluing the pennant's spine.
* And yes, I'd say that bleaching is alteration as well... albeit a slightly "lesser evil", perhaps.

Acceptable:
* Dabbing or cleaning of excess dust, dirt, grime, etc. with a cloth or towel
* Removal of Pet Hair or Dust with tape or a lint roller
* Ironing out excess wrinkles/creases (done from reverse side)

If any of the above practices deemed "Not Acceptable" are done, I feel it is incumbent upon the Seller to disclose them.
Just my opinions.... others will vary ;)

For me, since I am a beginner at collecting pennants, I will pretty much add any pennants to my collection unless its really dirty, bent badly, torn or the pin holes are noticeable. I can always upgrade when funds are available.

Mike

I agree for the most part. Tassels to me, however, are no big deal. If I see I pennant I want, I can't remember ever thinking "if only it had tassels". :) It just doesn't bother me...in fact, I've removed the tassels from pennants that had some missing or had badly mangled ones.

Writing or the recreation of a pointy tip are deal breakers. I bought a rare early 70's Giants (football) pennant a couple months back that looked fine in the pictures. But when I held it in my hand, it was obvious the tip was shave into a false point. I got it for a great price and now I knew why. I guess the seller thought the price told the story, so he didn't have to. There was no mention of it in the listing.

I've noticed puckering on a few of my pennants (typically 1960's pennants) and wondered what caused that. It's usually near the spine, so thought maybe a production error? Or maybe the pennant was washed in someway and shrunk? What's the explanation on that?

I agree...It's all in how it displays. A little patina works for me. Missing tip to me kills the display.

Where do you sell?

If I have a chance to get an SF Giants pennant I "need" or have never seen before, I am going for it, regardless of condition. If I can upgrade at a later date, all the better. That said, condition WILL influence the price I'm willing to pay.

Speaking of "needs," here they are. I'd take an example of any of these in almost any shape. I have seen these offered once, maybe twice or never (only pictures).

I think I have the black one with Batter and Candlestick Park.

I'll pm you Rob, if I'm able to find it. It will be a bit of a challenge, and will take some time. I've never seen another, but need to be sure mine is that exact variation.

Please stay tuned!

Looking forward to that! It is definitely a variation and a melding of a couple of different styles. I own many that look close but not quite the same.

Edit: I just looked and I do have that exact pennant except on mine the grass has no color. It's possible the grass was hand colored in the pennant I posted (or not, as I have seen pennants that didn't "get" all of their intended colors).

In regards to restorations and alterations I agree with everything Mark said. I think for the most part, most would agree with these. I would highly caution those that are somewhat newer to pennant collecting to be very careful buying on eBay as there are many many people altering pennants for resale.

With that being said, I buy quite a bit on there myself for resale so it is o w of the best places to go. Just saying, there's a lot of garbage on there too. Be careful.