Quote:
Originally Posted by Leon
...As opposed to cards, posters, photos and some other ephemera can actually have their value enhanced with conservation and/or restoration...
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For posters and lithographic prints in particular, it has been my experience that even extensive restoration (i.e., the recoloring of significant portions of the print, going well beyond the background) has served to significantly enhance the value of the piece. While I personally limit my acquisitions to pieces that require only minimal restoration (repairs of minor tears and minor recoloring limited to background only), it seems the market looks at it differently. If the end result of the restoration materially increases the item's aesthetic appearance, the increase in market value is significant. As has been noted, such restoration can be pricey (in the low 4 figures), but given the impact on value, it can be a financially prudent undertaking.