50's Press Photo - looking for some guidance / opinions
 

Hey guys,

Mostly a BST and reader member here. I recently took a bit of a chance on a minor league photo of Roy Campanella. I thought I had overpaid until I held it to a light source and noticed that paint/marker had been used to blot out his uniform and cap.

Plain as day the Nashua team logo on the jersey and cap show through. This had me very excited and at the surface it would appear I may be able to remove the paint/marker from the photo. I do not know a lot about photos but have always wanted an early and unique Campanella.

The photo paper is glossy and is definitely of the period. Would I be able to use a solvent or is there something anyone would recommend in my attempt to remove the paint/marker from the photo?

Lastly and more selfishly, how does one determine if this is a type 1 photo? I've attached scans and would value any opinion.

Thanks,
-jake

BEFORE
http://bigjaco.com/images/Campy_Nashua_org.jpg
http://bigjaco.com/images/Campy_Nashua_back_org.jpg


AFTER
http://bigjaco.com/images/Campy_fixed.png

My offer still stands. :) Such a cool photo.

Based on your scans, it does appear to be a Type 1 original photo from the period, and if you were inclined to submit it to PSA for certification, I believe they would reach the same conclusion.

As for how best to remove the editor's paint-over job, it seems the jury's still out on that one. Some solvent-based methods have been discussed in other threads, but my understanding is that those have now been said to possibly have negative long-term effects on the photo. Apparently in some cases, just using warm distilled water applied in controlled amounts with a q-tip can be effective in removing the white touch-up paint (assuming it is water-soluble).

Others may chime in with more ideas, but by all means, keep us up to date and show off that beauty when you're finished cleaning it up!

I think the ink is relatively minor and you could leave if you wish. Sometimes the markings are major and ugly, then I can understand someone wishing to remove it.

But you can't do what you wish.

I think the reason he wants to remove it is because of the rarity of what's underneath. Campy only played at Nashua for one season and I don't know of a single picture in which he appears in that uniform. It would be a significant find for us Campy collectors if it can be cleaned up. Yes, it could be left as is. But it would so much cooler if it was removed.

Cwazzy is correct. The Nashua written across the jersey is what would really make this an appealing piece. Under a light it's clear as day.

Doing some research (including that mighty search button here) it looks like distilled water then PEC-12 is in my future. I was curious if other have any cautions or best tips in using either of these methods. Even if repeated from other threads I appreciate the perspective.

Thanks,
-jake

Hi Jake,
Most editor's ink on photos is quite easy to remove because it is water soluble. It is as simple as dampening a paper towel with regular tap water. Rub the ink lightly and the ink becomes fluid and adheres to the paper towel. Just remember to keep using a clean spot on the paper towel otherwise the ink smears. Often the area where the ink was is a bit off color compared to the surrounding area. This is because the water in the ink penetrated the photo surface and changed its composition a bit.

Few tips:

Don't oversaturate the paper towel or drip water on a spot on the photo were there isn't ink. The water may raise the surface of the photo in the shape of the drip. It'll look like a bump.

If the surface of the photo starts coming off as you rub, then stop; you may be rubbing too hard or maybe the photo's surface is of poor quality. Usually you don't see this problem with glossy photos.

When you removed the ink, dry the photo flat. A wet photo left to dry on its own will curl up at the edges. I put wet photos between two sheets of regular computer paper and then put between the pages of a larger book. The paper soaks up most of the remaining water and also keeps the ink of the book's pages from seeping onto the photo.

When you photo is restored back to its original state before the ink, take a step back and enjoy it...take pleasure in your job well done.

Don't be nervous, I do it all the time.

For the record I said "Do as you wish." I ain't bossing nobody.

No one said you were. :)

holy crap, holy crap, holy crap. That worked. I have it drying with the computer paper now. I'm assuming it will dry ok as the rest of your directions was spot on. It looks magnificent now. I will post scans!!!

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Glad to see it worked and I am looking forward to seeing the restored image. :D

Me too.. Awesome info to share!!

all fixed!
 

A little bit of spidering on his cap. Likely the result of age, but otherwise couldn't be happier!

http://bigjaco.com/images/Campy_fixed.png

Looking a bit closer, I do have some smudges. I will try to touch those up but I got seriously excited once I started to see the original below!

Talk about a treasure. I had originally opened it up thinking I was disappointed. Absolutely thrilled now.

Sweet! Congrats, great photo of Campy!

Campy's left shoulder is discolored compared to the spot you cleaned. 60 years of airborne grime has left its mark. Let's also not forget that workplaces were certainly not "smoke-free" back in that day. I would assume there to be tar and nicotine over the exposed portion of the photo as well. I wonder if there is any way to clean a part of it and be happy. My guess would be that once you start you will wind up cleaning the entire photo. There is no "patina premium" to concern yourself with, is there?:)

Awesome! It turned out GREAT! My offer still stands. LOL

WOW.. what a beautiful photo. You did very well. Let me know if you ever get tired of it... :)

Nice job, and an even nicer photo. Good snag, and kudos on the clean-up!

Sorry, Ben. I've already claimed it when the time comes. LOL

Whatever Chris said plus 20 points:) Sad thing is I saw this on ebay for the longest time.. caught my eye but just didn't look close enough. What a pickup and what a price! Wonderful photo..truly.

I have been watching this for months and decided to throw an offer. Thanks for the support and help on clean-up tips. I believe this will be a center piece for me for some time to come.

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