Everyone's favorite auction house

[Hankphenom]

Looking past the kvetching and personal agendas, I find this an interesting discussion of a relevant topic: the sometimes fine line between cleaning and alteration. For those who'd care to play, I'd like to see some yes or no answers to the following questions: is the kind of cleaning done in this case, either by consignors or auction houses, acceptable? And if so, must the methods be fully described in the description?

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Looking past the kvetching and personal agendas, I find this an interesting discussion of a relevant topic: the sometimes fine line between cleaning and alteration. For those who'd care to play, I'd like to see some yes or no answers to the following questions: is the kind of cleaning done in this case, either by consignors or auction houses, acceptable? And if so, must the methods be fully described in the description?

I think the memorabilia/sign guys have weighed in already that cleaning is customarily done on signs and expected and not something one must disclose.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I think the memorabilia/sign guys have weighed in already that cleaning is customarily done on signs and expected and not something one must disclose.

If that is indeed the consensus, quite a useful piece of information for the AHs and their consignors.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Looking past the kvetching and personal agendas, I find this an interesting discussion of a relevant topic: the sometimes fine line between cleaning and alteration. For those who'd care to play, I'd like to see some yes or no answers to the following questions: is the kind of cleaning done in this case, either by consignors or auction houses, acceptable? And if so, must the methods be fully described in the description?

This is my understanding and what I would hope a seller does if I am the buyer. I also do this when I sell something.

I believe it is OK as long as it is fully disclosed that it has been cleaned/restored. Explaining how is not needed IMO. I have cleaned a few signs and I doubt it was just cotton balls and water, not that the method is important if cleaning was disclosed.