UPDATE AFTER RESTORATION: Mathewson Tuxedo Sign

[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".

[bobfreedman]

Greg, I personally think you should get rid of it. I cannot imagine that someone would want that torn and tattered excuse for an image of a Matty. I will also volunteer to take it off of your hands and properly get rid of it on my wall for the next 20 years.

[Leon]

Agree with the rest of the guys, restore. If it was not aesthetically distracting then I would say no, but the way it is, yes. I think it will add value to it also. As always, when selling then the transparency of what was done is a must and a plus!!

[1880nonsports]

Captain Obvious for sure - but low grade workmanship will leave you with a product you will not be happy with and it will lose any percieved value. Expert work will make it easier to look at, allow for easier sale when the time comes, and in most cases there is an inherent appreciation of value when compared to the cost of the restoration assuming you bought right.