UPDATE AFTER RESTORATION: Mathewson Tuxedo Sign

[perezfan]

I believe its a perfect candidate for restoration. Don't know what you paid, but would have to believe a quality restoration job would enhance the value tremendousy.

Besides, it looks like Matty has a lip piercing and eye tattoo. And I know those things were NOT in vogue in the early 1900s

I would say do it!

[Scott Garner]

I agree with both of the previous posters. Restore Matty!

[Bumpus Jones]

Beautiful piece! You need a "maybe" option

[perezfan]

Wanted to add...

For the purists who would argue that these things should be kept in their original form (and I used to be one of them...)

The tears and missing chunks of paper are not "original" to the piece. So it is already "altered" in some fashion. I just don't see any harm in enhancing/improving its appearance. I also think that with paper items, we need to be a bit more forgiving of restoration than with other forms of memorabilia.

Just my .02

[gnaz01]

So who is the best paper restoration company out there??

[CW]

I voted to restore.

I don't have any personal experience, Greg, but this company was the one mentioned in John's old thread about the Leland's A&G banner awhile back. Based on comments in the thread, their work does not come cheap, but it is top-notch. The examples they post on their website are amazing! Good luck with whatever you decide.

http://www.graphicconservation.com/

[ruth-gehrig]

I'm torn when it comes to this sign (sorry for the pun) but I've asked the same question about the Victors Base Ball sign I posted awhile back. I still haven't decided what I want to do with it. Sounds like I'm in the minority on this one but because most of its there I vote maybe clean it but leave everything else alone. Leave the missing pieces.

[1880nonsports]

if it were just the edges or an inconsequential area or two I would leave it be. I believe the overall aethetics are negatively impacted by the placement of some the damage in a central area and it would bother me. I rarely restore anything and after an experiential lesson or two only buy something needing restoration when it is INEXPENSIVE as conservation comes at a pretty steep price (often 100.-200. an hour).
For your peace of mind true conservation allows for the item to be returned to the state it was in before doing the work. I had 3/4 pieces done by GCC in the mid to late 90's (actually based on Bill Mastro's personal recomendation) and honestly they did a superior job.

[WillowGrove]

I've been thinking about your situation. It's a beauty and I'm dying to say restore it because of the two key areas on his face. But there's something about adding paper stock to fill in the tear (for example) that doesn't feel right to me. To me that's adding something "new" to something " old".

But using the Allen & Ginter poster as an example, the hobby seems fine w high end restorations as long as it's disclosed.

So net, net Greg, after being around antiques and vintage stuff for about 35 years, i say restore it. Make it look great.

I've just given a major piece to Paul messier in Boston. Not to restore but to preserve. They haven't started work yet but met him and his team and have utmost confidence in them.

How big is Christy? It's beautiful. Congrats

Peter

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by WillowGrove

How big is Christy? It's beautiful. Congrats

Peter

Thanks Peter, it is roughly 14" X 19".

[Ribbens]

Highly recommend The Art of Restoration in Chicago. Tommy Tomc is the man, great work, reasonably priced and fair to work with.
http://theartofrestoration.com/

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by Ribbens

Highly recommend The Art of Restoration in Chicago. Tommy Tomc is the man, great work, reasonably priced and fair to work with.
http://theartofrestoration.com/

Yes, that is who did my piece. Tommy is a cool dude and loves his work.