What are the oldest pennants?

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by ballist68

99 years young...

Geez Chris,

That 1913 Reds pennant is the bomb! The condition is truly exceptional. It looks like it was made just yesterday, not 99 years ago.
Congrats!

[effe]

[MK]

Thanks to this thread, I went to my local craft/frame store and found two poster frames on sale for $12 each. I added poster board as a background and framed my two favorite Cub pennants. Although not as old as the ones being shown, it does show how you can enhance your pennants for a small amount of money.

[Splinte1941]

FWIW guys, most if not all the pennants I'm seeing here should be framed using the best in archival and museum materials, including UV or conservation glass. I am not a framer but you would never see these pieces in a museum preserved the way I'm seeing it done here.

Penny wise and pound foolish. These are rare items that should be preserved and not put at risk through do-it-yourself frames and such.

Just my two cents.

[perezfan]

I've had dozens of these pennants framed this way for 20+ years, with no issues whatsoever. I have yet to remove one with a single problem or even a hint of damage. The 3 biggest "enemies" to pennants (IMO) are light, dust, and moths/insects. If you have them framed and kept away from direct light, you are averting all 3.

Of course, if you can afford archival materials and professional framing for each pennant, that's the best option. Also, these affordable pre-made frames can have the glass replaced with UV or Conservation Glass (if so desired). But in many cases, the cost of professional framing would exceed the value of the pennant. Seems silly to me...

Also, I have received Pennants from major auction houses that are purported to be museum-quality framed. This includes a recent acquisition from a very high-profile collection... only to find that they've been taped, stitched or glued to the backing- doing significant and irreparable damage to the felt. Having the pennant gently pressed against a pane of glass has been far less damaging in my experience.

Also... when these pennants are found in attics, estate sales, old closets, etc.... they aren't ever archivally preserved. Yet many somehow manage to survive a century or more in great shape. Just wanted to present an alternative, more affordable viewpoint.

[mjkm90]

Originally Posted by perezfan

I've had dozens of these pennants framed this way for 20+ years, with no issues whatsoever. I have yet to remove one with a single problem or even a hint of damage. The 3 biggest "enemies" to pennants (IMO) are light, dust, and moths/insects. If you have them framed and kept away from direct light, you are averting all 3.

Of course, if you can afford archival materials and professional framing for each pennant, that's the best option. Also, these affordable pre-made frames can have the glass replaced with UV or Conservation Glass (if so desired). But in many cases, the cost of professional framing would exceed the value of the pennant. Seems silly to me...

Also, I have received Pennants from major auction houses that are purported to be museum-quality framed. This includes a recent acquisition from a very high-profile collection... only to find that they've been taped, stitched or glued to the backing- doing significant and irreparable damage to the felt. Having the pennant gently pressed against a pane of glass has been far less damaging in my experience.

Also... when these pennants are found in attics, estate sales, old closets, etc.... they aren't ever archivally preserved. Yet many somehow manage to survive a century or more in great shape. Just wanted to present an alternative, more affordable viewpoint.

I agree with Mark completely.

While the two I posted were professionaly framed, I have dozens that were not, and all are in perfect shape after years and years. The ONLY reason I paid the price for these two pieces was because they are the centerpieces of my collection and I wanted them to look as special as possible.

[perezfan]

Thanks guys...

Just wanted to add (for Mike K) that those 1945 Cubs pennants are simply terrific. Both are tough, but finding that Blue version is a needle in a haystack. Great stuff!

[sayhey24]

Originally Posted by Splinte1941

FWIW guys, most if not all the pennants I'm seeing here should be framed using the best in archival and museum materials, including UV or conservation glass. I am not a framer but you would never see these pieces in a museum preserved the way I'm seeing it done here.

Penny wise and pound foolish. These are rare items that should be preserved and not put at risk through do-it-yourself frames and such.

Just my two cents.

Couldn't disagree more. Mike, your vintage pennants will be just fine in those frames (and they look great). Mark (perezfan) is absolutely right -- I too have put dozens of vintage pieces in antique and store bought frames, and have never had a problem of any kind.

Greg

[Splinte1941]

Originally Posted by sayhey24

Couldn't disagree more. Mike, your vintage pennants will be just fine in those frames (and they look great). Mark (perezfan) is absolutely right -- I too have put dozens of vintage pieces in antique and store bought frames, and have never had a problem of any kind.

Greg

Get back to me in 20 years, and tell me that UV glass wouldn't have been better. LOL.

I'm sorry but you can't argue at least with protecting stuff with UV/Conservation glass.