UPDATE AFTER RESTORATION: Mathewson Tuxedo Sign

[gnaz01]

So, the consensus of the board in the above poll was to restore, so I did and here is the final result. Here is the before and after

Just wondering everyone's thoughts of the final product.

Thanks,
Greg

[Duluth Eskimo]

I'm generally fine with vintage wear on a piece like this, but it would look so much better if you could lightly clean up the face a little. That is such a great piece. Good luck

[perezfan]

I believe its a perfect candidate for restoration. Don't know what you paid, but would have to believe a quality restoration job would enhance the value tremendousy.

Besides, it looks like Matty has a lip piercing and eye tattoo. And I know those things were NOT in vogue in the early 1900s

I would say do it!

[Scott Garner]

I agree with both of the previous posters. Restore Matty!

[Bumpus Jones]

Beautiful piece! You need a "maybe" option

[perezfan]

Wanted to add...

For the purists who would argue that these things should be kept in their original form (and I used to be one of them...)

The tears and missing chunks of paper are not "original" to the piece. So it is already "altered" in some fashion. I just don't see any harm in enhancing/improving its appearance. I also think that with paper items, we need to be a bit more forgiving of restoration than with other forms of memorabilia.

Just my .02

[gnaz01]

So who is the best paper restoration company out there??

[CW]

I voted to restore.

I don't have any personal experience, Greg, but this company was the one mentioned in John's old thread about the Leland's A&G banner awhile back. Based on comments in the thread, their work does not come cheap, but it is top-notch. The examples they post on their website are amazing! Good luck with whatever you decide.

http://www.graphicconservation.com/

[ruth-gehrig]

I'm torn when it comes to this sign (sorry for the pun) but I've asked the same question about the Victors Base Ball sign I posted awhile back. I still haven't decided what I want to do with it. Sounds like I'm in the minority on this one but because most of its there I vote maybe clean it but leave everything else alone. Leave the missing pieces.

[Ribbens]

Highly recommend The Art of Restoration in Chicago. Tommy Tomc is the man, great work, reasonably priced and fair to work with.
http://theartofrestoration.com/

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by Ribbens

Highly recommend The Art of Restoration in Chicago. Tommy Tomc is the man, great work, reasonably priced and fair to work with.
http://theartofrestoration.com/

Yes, that is who did my piece. Tommy is a cool dude and loves his work.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

I would restore the piece because the damage is in such significant areas. Make sure to include the information about the restoration as well as photos when you sell.

[irishdenny]

Hey there Greg & All!

I thought about it for a while... All along Mesmerized by the way it looked!
I then voted "No" in Your Poll. I also was eager to see what the vote would be.

28 Yes to 12 No!

But I only see the Yea's Commenting? I would of liked to hear some of the Nay's opinion's. Oh well...

I came to the conclusion that if I was to purchase it, I would rather that it be in it's original vintage state!

Oh, & as it You will have it... I can't wait to see Matty in His NeW attire.

Either way though... 'Brilliant Piece!!!"

[HRBAKER]

I didn't vote but I think it is "whole" enough and striking enough that I would leave it as is.

[sporteq]

congrats on the purchase. that's an awesome display. I'm normally not in favor of restoration but in this case.. RESTORE IT!

Albert

[JoeyF1981]

I say keep it original. Once you restore it and start adding modern stuff to it I personally think it takes away from it

[TUM301]

Originally Posted by HRBAKER

I didn't vote but I think it is "whole" enough and striking enough that I would leave it as is.

Voted no in the poll. Also in the same camp as HR here and really like how Christy looks after all these years of battling life. There`s something to be said for character and this beautiful piece certainly has it, it looks AWESOME as is. Baseball greatest allure, for me anyway, is it`s history and this piece in it`s present state screams history. Beautiful

[aquarius31]

Great piece Greg! I have also used Graphic Conservation and would highly recommend them if you decided to restore this piece. I don't have a picture of my restoration posted yet but will take a picture at some point and post it as it was a neat 1889 Boston BBC lithograph. They did a very nice clean up and deacidification of the print. A great pick up regardless of whether or not you get it restored.

[CW]

Originally Posted by gnaz01

Just wondering everyone's thoughts of the final product.

Thanks,
Greg

Ummm, ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!

Who did the work, if you don't mind sharing? Do you have a list of what was done to it? Fantastic work, whoever did it. Excellent choice, Greg!

[Abeabe]

It does look amazing!!!!

[Duluth Eskimo]

That turned out great

[pherbener]

WOW!! That is stunning!! Nice job!

[MGHPro]

Greg
Looks great ! Matt