When do you clean a photo? (With an example)

[Jobu]

Thank you all for the feedback.

The photo is 21" x 8", so it is pretty big.

I generally like things to be original but think the smudges really detract from it and I worry that whatever that substance is will not be good for the photo or the autographs going forward. Beyond that I would stabilize it and leave the rest of the condition as it is - I like that it shows that it was owned by a kid on the team. I am a bit on the fence about even leaving the dirt for that same reason but just can't decide which is the correct way to go. If I find out that it will be $1200 to have it cleaned that will big a big factor too

[conor912]

If it were mine I would have the dirt and dark stain on the upper right removed. I agree that some dirt/wear on an item can add to it's coolness, but those are detracting from the piece, imo.

Having framed several things in comparable sizes, doing a nice archival/museum glass frame job will run you about $300. I can't speak to cleaning costs, but for some reason the $600-800 range is sticking in my head. Keep in mind not what you spent on it, but what it's worth to you. I have spent $400 framing something I spent 50 bucks on just because I loved it and wanted to enjoy/protect it indefinitely.

[t.tomc]

What a great piece Bryan. I would definitely have it archivally framed. Just having it stabilized so it won't bend/move will help keep the emulsion and paper base from cracking/deteriorating further. Getting any acidic surface particulates off would certainly be a good idea as well since that would help keep it from deteriorating further over time.

Thanks for sharing!