"Legendary" Paper Restoration in their Live Auction!

[chiprop]

After checking out the Legendary website, it looks like many lots were either passed on or no bid. The remaining lots looked super weak on the selling price. Fredrick Ruth under $6k, t-208 under $4k, etc. I would have bid higher on both of those lots. I think the live auction process doesn't involve the masses and was a dis-service to the consigner. Was that the worst auction in the past 10 years, or am I missing something?

[barrysloate]

While full disclosure of restoration is important, I don't agree that pieces such as this should just be left alone. Old paper becomes very acidic over the years and in time may disintegrate. Even minimal restoration goes a long way in preserving it, and you can deacidify the paper so it doesn't continue to break down.

But I do agree that this one has had more than minimal restoration. There should have been more information provided for prospective bidders.

[HiNeighbor]

Nice program, I wish I had that kind of cash to own one. I'm sure my Sox collection won't ever see one.

Restoration - I've done a lot of it on same era brewery advertising to stabilize, preserve and improve the esthetic beauty. Perhaps the program was brittle that restoration was required before it fell apart any further. They did the same thing to Old Glory at the Smithsonian.

I couldn't care less about the $$ when evaluating a piece for restoration. It all depends on your perspective. Sometimes it's not all about the almighty dollar (Maybe it's me, but it seems that the almighty buck rules cards more than anything else in the sports collecting hobby - so much is based on minute condition flaws vs. actual rarity).

I have friends who have restored sports photographs and lithographs.
The auction discloses restoration. If it's not your thing, don't bid.

[zork1974]

I agree. If it sells for more, then why not? It's their money, not ours.

[nyyanksghr]

I was the lucky high bidder on the restored 1903 WS Game 1 program. I was aware this was the same program Lelands sold. When it was sold in Lelands, I passed on it as it wasn't pleasing to my eye. When it was offered again through Legendary Auctions, with the professional restoration, it was very pleasing to my eye! I'm excitied to own it. Job well done on the restoration and congratulations to an amazing and fun Live auction in Cleveland. Great job Doug Allen and crew.

[Ladder7]

Great item, before.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by chiprop

After checking out the Legendary website, it looks like many lots were either passed on or no bid. The remaining lots looked super weak on the selling price. Fredrick Ruth under $6k, t-208 under $4k, etc. I would have bid higher on both of those lots. I think the live auction process doesn't involve the masses and was a dis-service to the consigner. Was that the worst auction in the past 10 years, or am I missing something?

You are missing something. The T208 went for about 25k after juice....and the Fredericks Ruth went for about 20k after juice. Their website didn't update prices. I was there and had a great time. regards

[autograf]

Congrats on the program. Don't you think you could have gotten the Lelands program and then had similar restoration performed for a little less than the additional $50K? I would assume the same restorers work for multiple people. Still a beautiful piece.

[nyyanksghr]

Tom-Great question. Yes, I could have purchased the program in Lelands and found a restorer on my own, for much less, I imagine. The reason for my elevated bid in the Legendary auction was two fold: 1. Since the last offering in lelands, I was outbid in a private offering on an 03 program. The price was 90,000. 2. Through research since the Lelands offering, I have become convinced that this is the ONLY documented Game 1 03 WS program. My feelings towards value greatly changed. Congratulations to Doug Allen for putting together a fantastic Live auction. The prices were strong, which should make all collectors breathe a little easier.

[calvindog]

John, so you purchased two very expensive restored items in one auction? You must have a lot of faith! Did you get a chance to see the 'before' pictures of the Wagner?

[nyyanksghr]

"John, so you purchased two very expensive restored items in one auction? You must have a lot of faith! Did you get a chance to see the 'before' pictures of the Wagner"


Yep. I have seen the before photos...amazing, amazing job on the restoration. With PSA 1's bringing 350-500+, I was pleased to get this restored example. The general public who hasn't had the opportunity to see a real Wagner doesnt care that its restored, they just are thrilled to see a Wagner. I had to turn down too many requests from local groups to display the PSA 5 b/c of the risk involved. As stated, this one is more fun and I'll be able to accomodate the numerous ballparks, kids groups, etc. who wanted to display it for a day or evening. We had the other Wagner on display one night for our local Police Athletic League. Shoulda seen the smiles on those kids faces!

[tothrk]

There's a Plank floating around with no borders. Slap some borders on it and proceed with an auction. These items are out of my league and anyone can spend their own money how they see fit. I'm not faulting anyone for spending their $$$ on whatever they choose. In my opinion, a tiny bit of restoration leads to a moderate bit of restoration leads to major restoration leads to Channing a card in your basement. Might be a drastic summary but why return a card with "evidence of trimming" and then slab one with borders attached? Just slab it PSA "Restored" and the hobby can slowly progress to a giant gray area where everything is half original. O.K. I'm done. Sorry if I went overboard.

[slantycouch]

Originally Posted by nyyanksghr

As stated, this one is more fun and I'll be able to accomodate the numerous ballparks, kids groups, etc. who wanted to display it for a day or evening. We had the other Wagner on display one night for our local Police Athletic League. Shoulda seen the smiles on those kids faces!

That's really awesome. Great use of an amazing piece. I'm sure kids and adults alike are thrilled to see/hold one.

[mikedenero]

Originally Posted by nyyanksghr

With PSA 1's bringing 350-500+, I was pleased to get this restored example. The general public who hasn't had the opportunity to see a real Wagner doesnt care that its restored, they just are thrilled to see a Wagner. I had to turn down too many requests from local groups to display the PSA 5 b/c of the risk involved. As stated, this one is more fun and I'll be able to accomodate the numerous ballparks, kids groups, etc. who wanted to display it for a day or evening. We had the other Wagner on display one night for our local Police Athletic League. Shoulda seen the smiles on those kids faces!

This might be my favorite post that I have ever read on this board. John, congrats on winning both auctions! The program: AWESOME! The Wagner: Ditto. If I were still a collector (as a dealer, I can no longer consider myself a collector), given the choice, I would much rather own this restored example than a graded example lower than a 3. As I have tried to state many times, for me, this is a visual hobby; thus, purchasing a restored example of such a rarity makes perfect sense to me. Also, I think it's great that you intend to share this piece with the world, a truly noble pursuit which can only benefit our hobby (and, therefore, each of us) in the long run. Once again, congrats!

One final thought on restoration: might it be better to have restored cards authenticated, encapsulated, and labelled accordingly by PSA, SGC, etc., than to have them floating around raw??

[dstudeba]

Originally Posted by nyyanksghr

As stated, this one is more fun and I'll be able to accomodate the numerous ballparks, kids groups, etc. who wanted to display it for a day or evening. We had the other Wagner on display one night for our local Police Athletic League. Shoulda seen the smiles on those kids faces!

Very, very cool.