November Pickups

[MK]

The elephant is absolutely amazing! And I would not do a thing to change it. When you're 104 years old you are not supposed to look new!

[khkco4bls]

The white paint is original to the piece I wouldn't touch it

[Shoeless Moe]

I'm a dissenter it would appear, I would have it restored, bet it would look amazing. Now he kind of looks like the Philadelphia Dalmations. Very cool item!

[Scott Garner]

Great pickup, Kevin!

[khkco4bls]

Thx for all the comments. This kind of stuff is what drives us all as collectors

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Shoeless Moe

I'm a dissenter it would appear, I would have it restored, bet it would look amazing. Now he kind of looks like the Philadelphia Dalmations. Very cool item!

It's only original once, Paul.

[Shoeless Moe]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

It's only original once, Paul.

But what if you found a nice lead-based can of white paint from the early 1900's? : ) jk!!!

Kevin that probably is lead paint so you might want to restore it for safety reasons, don't let your dog start licking it.

I actually could see going either way on this type of item, I know some say never touch, which is true will turn off some, others will appreciate a nice restored piece....and the value goes up 3X.

exhibit A

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=180572

[Shoeless Moe]

as Steve Stone would say"........and for all you youngsters out there..." be careful with vintage painted items:

Not saying Kevin's new acquisition does or does not, but better safe then sorry:

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/lead/vintage/

[khkco4bls]

I will not be touching the paint

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Shoeless Moe

I know some say never touch, which is true will turn off some, others will appreciate a nice restored piece....and the value goes up 3X.

exhibit A

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=180572

Just because you happened to find (an ill-informed) buyer that time, Paul, doesn't prove your "3x" thesis. Any antique dealer/appraiser will tell you that once you've removed an artifact's original-with-age patina, you've killed it value-wise.

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Just because you happened to find (an ill-informed) buyer that time, Paul, doesn't prove your "3x" thesis. Any antique dealer/appraiser will tell you that once you've removed an artifact's original-with-age patina, you've killed it value-wise.

How do you know the buyer was ill-informed? Did the auction description omit the cleaning and removal of paint from the trophy?

[Shoeless Moe]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Just because you happened to find (an ill-informed) buyer that time, Paul, doesn't prove your "3x" thesis. Any antique dealer/appraiser will tell you that once you've removed an artifact's original-with-age patina, you've killed it value-wise.

"Killed?" I don't think so. Maybe in your eyes, but not everyone's. I think you talking coins, yes don't clean,restore those, but there are numerous examples I can throw out there of vintage items being restored, take a look at several collectors who purchase old stadium seats that look like hell and have them restored, repainted etc., and they increase their selling value by doing so.

and this guy:
Restored - paint touch-ups - 17K

http://www.legendaryauctions.com/Lot...ntoryid=167007

......and look at my boy Rick from Pawn Stars, many times they bring in an expert on a variety of antiques and assess the item in the condition it is in and if they chose to get it restored how much is it worth, and the restored value is always higher.