Special Value Box Restoration

Like most collectors working on a budget, I'm always looking for rare sets at a great price, and am often willing to do some cleaning or light repair to get sets in displayable condition.  While I'm pretty handy at these jobs, sometimes it pays to call in an experienced professional, especially when it comes to paper restoration, which can be notoriously tricky.   While I have removed tape and flattened warped boxes, these rare items needed the attention of a professional.  After some research, I settled on Anthony Restorations.

Before

The pictures above, left, and below show the condition of the boxes when purchased.  There was significant staining, tape damage and warp.  In addition, parts of some sides were missing.  The bottoms were in much better shape, but had some warping and applied tape

Deciding to restore these was a matter of weighing several factors including the value of the boxes as-is, the price of the restoration, and the recognition that even when restored they would not  be as valuable of originals that are in excellent condition, even if they appear as nice.

After e-mail consultation and discussion of the process, they went off to Anthony Restoration for work, which took a bit over a month.

Brian Anthony sent me pictures of steps along the way, here showing the difference in one of lids when it arrived and after flattening.

After

Above and below, how the boxes look after restoration.  Missing pieces have been replaced with matching cardboard, and art the was missing has been carefully hand painted to make identical replacements, and litho lost to old tape removal has been in-painted.  Seams have been mended, and though the originals did not join the corners of the lids, it has been done with these a a concession to strengthening these fragile pieces.  They still show their vintage, but look incredibly better.  If you have vintage pieces that need similar work, I suggest you drop Brian Anthony a message!