Restoration and Conservation of Old baseball items.

[skelly423]

It's an interesting question I've asked myself on a number of occasions. When is it ok to restore and item, and when should it be left alone? I tend to prefer my memorabilia as close to original condition as possible. I think it adds character, and authenticity to my collection.

That being said, if an item is otherwise a write off (fallen apart, obscured by stains/debris), I think restoration is ok. The item isn't going to be made any worse by a professional conservation. Restoration is done on classic art all the time, I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with doing the same for sports collectibles, as long as future owners know they're buying restored items.

Using the examples you posted, I would not have touched the Wagner portrait, but I am ok with the Cleveland restoration (though I would have been fine with it in its original state as well).

[jcmtiger]

Nice restoration. The Florida sun was killing these Detroit Briggs Stadium seats. Decided to restore them. I know many collectors frown on this.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by jcmtiger

Nice restoration. The Florida sun was killing these Detroit Briggs Stadium seats. Decided to restore them. I know many collectors frown on this.

Silly question maybe, why did you decide to change the seat numbers during the restoration, and any significance/backstory to picking the numbers "7" and "8"?

[jcmtiger]

Originally Posted by BobC

Silly question maybe, why did you decide to change the seat numbers during the restoration, and any significance/backstory to picking the numbers "7" and "8"?

I didn’t want to mess around with 2 more stencils. Lol

[BobC]

Originally Posted by jcmtiger

I didn’t want to mess around with 2 more stencils. Lol

LOL

That actually makes a lot of sense. Good one!

[Shemp]

I am confused. Restoring cards is ok?

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by Shemp

I am confused. Restoring cards is ok?

This is not a service for cards. Though I've seen them rescue a glued scrapbook '52 mantle. As far as I know I don't think they will doctor cards. Though I'm not 100% certain. I can't find any examples on their site.

It's much more aimed toward conservation and preservation of display oriented historical pieces. Like posters, photos, historical documents, displays, letters, boxes etc. Similar to what a museum would have done.

Will attach a cool signed mantle Rawlings point of purchase display I saw on their site to show more of what they do.

[skelly423]

Originally Posted by BobC

Silly question maybe, why did you decide to change the seat numbers during the restoration, and any significance/backstory to picking the numbers "7" and "8"?

They're closer to the action

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by skelly423

It's an interesting question I've asked myself on a number of occasions. When is it ok to restore and item, and when should it be left alone? I tend to prefer my memorabilia as close to original condition as possible. I think it adds character, and authenticity to my collection.

That being said, if an item is otherwise a write off (fallen apart, obscured by stains/debris), I think restoration is ok. The item isn't going to be made any worse by a professional conservation. Restoration is done on classic art all the time, I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with doing the same for sports collectibles, as long as future owners know they're buying restored items.

Using the examples you posted, I would not have touched the Wagner portrait, but I am ok with the Cleveland restoration (though I would have been fine with it in its original state as well).

This is an acceptable opinion and one I think many collectors share.
But I personally would've liked to get the corner of Ty fixed.

[gonefishin]

I'm going to check them out. I don't know if they restore newspapers. I have a 1936 Sporting News that belonged to Bob Feller (it came from his estate), and it needs a little love. Any thoughts if this is doable?

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by gonefishin

I'm going to check them out. I don't know if they restore newspapers. I have a 1936 Sporting News that belonged to Bob Feller (it came from his estate), and it needs a little love. Any thoughts if this is doable?

Yes, they do newspapers!

[1880nonsports]

I had some work done by them over 25(!) years ago. I actually think Lifson or Mastro suggested I use them. The initial cost quote was quite high (3 different items) but after some negotiations I had them do the work in the summer (less busy) and they were to be worked on by a tandem of intern and master. I still have one of the pieces on my wall. They did a GREAT job BUT to repeat - they are NOT cheap. An item like that Just So piece was worthy and masterfully executed. More pedestrian pieces I might consider a less expensive conservator. I also used someone recommended here a few years back. It was NOT a good experience so be wary and ask questions. Also look into conservation/restoration as they are different approaches. In general I look only at conservation with regard to what I buy. If it needs to be restored I've found that the costs often exceed the benefit to the aesthetics thereby outpacing the items worth.

[steve B]

I think it's fine, as long as it's disclosed sometime later when it sells.

Some of those items are ones I wouldn't restore, but the Cleveland poster probably wouldn't last if it wasn't worked on.

It may be scanner settings, but it's a bit concerning that the Wagner photo seems to have lost some contrast.

The boxes make me wonder if they were just rebuilt, or if they were also deacidified and conserved at the same time. Without that, the work done will eventually fail.

Most good conservators aren't cheap, just the right materials are costly.