Restoration and Conservation of Old baseball items.

[Lucas00]

I recently found a website called Graphic Conservation who look like they do some amazing work on many different types of photo/ephemera items. Especially the sports items they restore look great. They will even repair Display Boxes and the like. Basically anything that comes from a tree looks like it can be made anew.

How common is this to get done?
Is this frowned upon or encouraged?
Some of these pieces I've seen restored are phenomenal and I think some forum members would be interested in bringing a torn up or dirty piece back to life. Some "Barn Condition" items really deserve to look like they did over 100 years ago. But I can also see the charm for some people who enjoy seeing insect holes in a 100 year old poster and enjoy the natural feeling of it.

I am considering sending in some damaged photos myself (though they aren't that bad) I think they would look great touched up. And a damaged '63 Topps box as well.

I attached a few examples of their work.

I would also love to see some before and afters if other forum members have had this kind of work done before.

[skelly423]

It's an interesting question I've asked myself on a number of occasions. When is it ok to restore and item, and when should it be left alone? I tend to prefer my memorabilia as close to original condition as possible. I think it adds character, and authenticity to my collection.

That being said, if an item is otherwise a write off (fallen apart, obscured by stains/debris), I think restoration is ok. The item isn't going to be made any worse by a professional conservation. Restoration is done on classic art all the time, I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with doing the same for sports collectibles, as long as future owners know they're buying restored items.

Using the examples you posted, I would not have touched the Wagner portrait, but I am ok with the Cleveland restoration (though I would have been fine with it in its original state as well).

[jcmtiger]

Nice restoration. The Florida sun was killing these Detroit Briggs Stadium seats. Decided to restore them. I know many collectors frown on this.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by jcmtiger

Nice restoration. The Florida sun was killing these Detroit Briggs Stadium seats. Decided to restore them. I know many collectors frown on this.

Silly question maybe, why did you decide to change the seat numbers during the restoration, and any significance/backstory to picking the numbers "7" and "8"?

[jcmtiger]

Originally Posted by BobC

Silly question maybe, why did you decide to change the seat numbers during the restoration, and any significance/backstory to picking the numbers "7" and "8"?

I didn’t want to mess around with 2 more stencils. Lol

[BobC]

Originally Posted by jcmtiger

I didn’t want to mess around with 2 more stencils. Lol

LOL

That actually makes a lot of sense. Good one!

[skelly423]

Originally Posted by BobC

Silly question maybe, why did you decide to change the seat numbers during the restoration, and any significance/backstory to picking the numbers "7" and "8"?

They're closer to the action

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by skelly423

It's an interesting question I've asked myself on a number of occasions. When is it ok to restore and item, and when should it be left alone? I tend to prefer my memorabilia as close to original condition as possible. I think it adds character, and authenticity to my collection.

That being said, if an item is otherwise a write off (fallen apart, obscured by stains/debris), I think restoration is ok. The item isn't going to be made any worse by a professional conservation. Restoration is done on classic art all the time, I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with doing the same for sports collectibles, as long as future owners know they're buying restored items.

Using the examples you posted, I would not have touched the Wagner portrait, but I am ok with the Cleveland restoration (though I would have been fine with it in its original state as well).

This is an acceptable opinion and one I think many collectors share.
But I personally would've liked to get the corner of Ty fixed.

[gonefishin]

I'm going to check them out. I don't know if they restore newspapers. I have a 1936 Sporting News that belonged to Bob Feller (it came from his estate), and it needs a little love. Any thoughts if this is doable?

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by gonefishin

I'm going to check them out. I don't know if they restore newspapers. I have a 1936 Sporting News that belonged to Bob Feller (it came from his estate), and it needs a little love. Any thoughts if this is doable?

Yes, they do newspapers!

[1880nonsports]

I had some work done by them over 25(!) years ago. I actually think Lifson or Mastro suggested I use them. The initial cost quote was quite high (3 different items) but after some negotiations I had them do the work in the summer (less busy) and they were to be worked on by a tandem of intern and master. I still have one of the pieces on my wall. They did a GREAT job BUT to repeat - they are NOT cheap. An item like that Just So piece was worthy and masterfully executed. More pedestrian pieces I might consider a less expensive conservator. I also used someone recommended here a few years back. It was NOT a good experience so be wary and ask questions. Also look into conservation/restoration as they are different approaches. In general I look only at conservation with regard to what I buy. If it needs to be restored I've found that the costs often exceed the benefit to the aesthetics thereby outpacing the items worth.