Mel Ott's HR 511 Scorecard Restoration Thoughts

[gonefishin]

I recently acquired a couple of historic NY Giants scorecards and am seeking opinions and recommendations regarding restoration of one of those. It is the program scorecard from the Giants vs Phillies game played on April 16 1946, opening day home game for the Giants. Of course, no one knew at the time that this would be the last game in which he hit a home run, career home run number 511. It would also be a game in which Mel acquired his last 2 RBI's. Ott was injured in the next game that would basically end his baseball career.

The scorecard shows signs of age, and the front page has come loose from the program. Other than some other wear and tear it's not in very bad condition.

I would like to know the forum's opinion if it would be worth having the program restored. If so, if anyone has recommendations regarding a person, or company, that restores such items. Pictures attached.

Thanks in advance.

[bigfanNY]

Your program looks fine. I know the paper war era tends to brown and get brittle easily so store out of sun and air. I would only restore if program needed preserving otherwise I leave them as found.
This is my scorecard from Ott's 500th HR very brittle and now it sits in a mylar portfolio book.
J

[NiceDocter]

Looks great as is. Leave it alone

[NiceDocter]

.

[gonefishin]

Thanks Jonathon and Rocky. That's what I'm thinking also. I just don't like the cover being separated from the program, otherwise I am totally ok with "as is".

The collector that had these was evidently a big NY Giants/Mets fan as there were other scorecards for the Mets in the 60s, including the All Star game in 1964. However, there was another jewel and that was a program scorecard from the Giants vs Dodgers game of April 18, 1947. That happens to be Jackie Robinson's first home run and RBIs. Thankfully it is in excellent condition.

Again, thanks for your recommendations.

[doug.goodman]

Congrats on some cool pickups.

[rlevy]

Very nice program. Like the others, I don't think restoration is worthwhile, but like you, it would bug me to have the front cover detached. I have repaired several of these type of programs and yearbooks, reattaching the cover or pages that have separated. It is a fairly easy DIY project, takes about an hour, and while the repairs are not entirely invisible, they are unobtrusive and the programs look much better. If you're not all thumbs you should be able to make the repair yourself.

I never use regular tape for these repairs. I use Lineco Mending Tissue since it is only 1/2" wide and holds up well. They also have a Mounting Tissue which is a little more durable, but it is wider and is a little more visible when applied. If the program isn't going to be opened and closed frequently I would use the Mending Tissue. Both are archival safe and could be removed with mineral spirits (although I have never tried the removal process). If you want, send me a DM and I will send you the steps for the repair.

Rick