What is "Moderate Restoration"?

[Archive]

Posted By: Dan Bretta

And how does it affect value? I watched the two decal bats in last nights Mastro auction and was wondering what you guys thought about these two auctions

Joe Jackson bat
http://tinyurl.com/2k9wmo


Frank Baker bat
http://tinyurl.com/2v4dvs

What kind of restoration is acceptable? and how much do you think these bats would sell for without any restoration?

[Archive]

Posted By: Mark Steinberg

Well, this is a great question, which I suppose has no definitive answer. I believe this fits the category of "to each his own"...

I personally avoid anything with restoration, period. Although these bats both look nice, I pefer those that are completely origial and true to form. The restoration would always bother me, and I would likely look at the 5% restored part more than the 95% original part.

I would much rather go for a slightly flawed example that is all-original. That's just me, though. I have monitored these things closely throughout the years, and if the restoration is well executed, it can enhance the piece and add value to one that was, say "VG" prior to the restoration.

So to answer your question, I would say that a completely original NRMT example would go for 25-30% more than a skillfully restored example that is NRMT (in appearance). I personally would opt for one in about "EX" condition that costs less, and is true to its original form. Hope this helps...

[Archive]

Posted By: Aaron M.

I think what hurt the Jackson bat was that it was re-finished as well as having the decal restored. I'm with Mark on this -- ideally you get an original bat that hasn't been touched even if it's not in as nice condition as a restored version.

Mark, it's like that Tigers doorstop -- you can get one that has been nicely repainted, but I much prefer having one that is original, even if its paint is chipped a bit. (And certainly I think the unrestored version is worth 3 or 4 times as much.)

[Archive]

Posted By: Mark Steinberg

Aaron is right... the Joe Jackson Bat suffered from surface refinishing in addition to the decal touch-up.

Dan... has your Wagner Decal Bat arrived yet? From the pics you posted, it appeared to be all-original with no touch-up. Is this right? Are you happy with it?

[Archive]

Posted By: Greg Theberge

A funny thing about restoration is that there are things that I feel are ok to restore, but there are others that I think should never be touched. I don't think anything in the collectibles market should be repainted, or refinished, but I do think certain paper items, such as lithos, are alright to be "restored" if it helps to preserve them for years to come. I've had 19th century lithos touched up by removing water stains and torn edges repaired and I've had reversed on glass signs have paint repairs as it has helped stabilize the existing paint from continuing to flake. I guess it's just personal preference.

[Archive]

Posted By: Dan Bretta

Hey Mark, the Wagner bat is in Omaha's UPS distribution center as I type this...It's supposed to be delivered on Monday. I'll take some pics and measurements when it gets here. Thanks for all the info.

[Archive]

Posted By: Mark

Greg:
I agree with you, about restoration of paper items. It is more acceptable with "paper", especially if it prevents further damage. If the restoration can keep a tear from extending or a hole from enlarging, it's definitely a good thing. A lot of the high-end ad signs and store displays you see in Catalog Auctions have undergone professional restoration that has not hurt (and rather helped) the value.

Dan:
Would love to see pics of the Honus Bat once it arrives. I imagine it will be way too nice to part with, but you could probably flip it for a healthy profit if you so choose!

[Archive]

Posted By: Greg Theberge

As you know, it's amazing what these restorers can do, Mark. We've used a company in Chicago a couple of times (the name escapes me at the moment). We've restored a few 1880-1910 lithographs over the years and it has definitely stabilized the pieces. Of course, it aint cheap...by any means.

A fellow Sox collector friend of mine has had some photos restored in order to stabilize cracks or folds. In my opinion, this is not done to deceive anyone, but done to preserve the piece (for some reason, we're hung up sometimes on "grades" or conditions - mostly from what I can determine by the ugly dollar).

Of course, if a piece is stable just as it is, leave it alone. I don't think anything should be refinished or repainted to improve appearance.

Greg