Walter Johnson L1 Leather

[Hankphenom]

I really appreciate the comments, and as a result I'm leaning strongly toward leaving it as it is. When so many of the people here I have such great respect for feel so strongly, I'm definitely paying attention. It did pass my presentability threshold from the start, or I wouldn't have bought it. What got me thinking about cleaning, and possibly restoration, was this one I found in my search for other examples on the web, from a 2005 REA auction. It's tempting to think that I might be able to get mine closer to this kind of beauty with just a cleaning and/or stain removal, which I approve of in most instances with cards and memorabilia and don't really consider restoration, which is more involved with adding non-original material rather than subtracting dirt and stains that weren't there in the first place--so why not get rid of them if you can do it without changing the piece in any significant way?

[packs]

That's a really nice one. I've always thought this series was cool. What is the leather like to touch? I've never held one before.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by packs

What is the leather like to touch? I've never held one before.

I'll probably never know!

[Vintagecatcher]

Congrats Hank on picking up your Holy Grail!

I wouldn't restore the leather, however, getting it matted with an oval opening might create a more enjoyable presentation.

I bought a T4 of John Tiedemann that was trimmed to the oval and I had it matted to mirror the original look.



Patrick

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Vintagecatcher

Congrats Hank on picking up your Holy Grail!
I wouldn't restore the leather, however, getting it matted with an oval opening might create a more enjoyable presentation. I bought a T4 of John Tiedemann that was trimmed to the oval and I had it matted to mirror the original look.
Patrick

Thanks, Patrick, that's a pretty good idea. It works real well with your photo, and I've probably done it myself with photos. But even though it's a beater, and with chunks missing you could hide with your method, I think I'd prefer to see the whole thing, warts and all. The L1s are such a strange concept to begin with, I'm not sure the damage mine has sustained takes much away from the overall wonder of it, especially with the extreme rarity in mind. It will be marvelous just to see it on my wall every day.

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

I really appreciate the comments, and as a result I'm leaning strongly toward leaving it as it is. When so many of the people here I have such great respect for feel so strongly, I'm definitely paying attention. It did pass my presentability threshold from the start, or I wouldn't have bought it. What got me thinking about cleaning, and possibly restoration, was this one I found in my search for other examples on the web, from a 2005 REA auction. It's tempting to think that I might be able to get mine closer to this kind of beauty with just a cleaning and/or stain removal, which I approve of in most instances with cards and memorabilia and don't really consider restoration, which is more involved with adding non-original material rather than subtracting dirt and stains that weren't there in the first place--so why not get rid of them if you can do it without changing the piece in any significant way?

Maybe it is my photographers eye, but I think I see brush and wipe marks on this one. That would bother me to no end.

[Jay Wolt]

Hank fantastic pickup, Congrats!

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Jay Wolt

Hank fantastic pickup, Congrats!

Thanks, Jay!

[MuncieNolePAZ]

Awesome pick-up Hank. Congrats! I would leave it as is.

Chad

[clydepepper]

Great acquisition Hank.

Though I'm certainly no expert, I would agree with the majority of comments and say leave it be.

One word of caution: Keep it out of direct sunlight. I know that sounds very common sense, but lots of us become even more leathery with that type of exposure.


.

[perezfan]

Congrats Hank... Such a tough item, and the WaJo image is stellar!

I would keep it original as well. The condition flaws mentioned are just a part of its history and charm.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by clydepepper

Great acquisition Hank. Though I'm certainly no expert, I would agree with the majority of comments and say leave it be. One word of caution: Keep it out of direct sunlight. I know that sounds very common sense, but lots of us become even more leathery with that type of exposure.
.

Ha! Thanks, Robbie, I've learned over the years, sometimes the hard way, to beware the elements when it comes to my stuff: sunlight, moisture of any kind, even air are the enemies of preservation. Funny how the things we need to survive are not kind to our collectibles.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Michael B

Maybe it is my photographers eye, but I think I see brush and wipe marks on this one. That would bother me to no end.

I see all kinds of shit that's happened to this thing, Michael. Tell me what you're thinking.