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Antique Photo Album: To Restore or Not. What say ye?

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Books2592 of 3025fairy tales for children 1855need information on 1916 automotive manuel
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    Posted 13 years ago

    marcobabe13
    (86 items)

    My great grandmother was the original owner of this photo album. It has been in storage for the past six years because I didn’t want to deal with making the decision of what to do with it. I was always told its age dates before 1900 . My fraternal grandmother was born in 1890, and her baby photo is the first picture in the album. The album is about 10.5 in. by 8.5 in. and 2 inches thick. The cover is a soft cloth, almost like a velvet. You can see by my pictures, the binding is torn, some of the material is missing, and it's very soiled. I haven’t talked to a professional yet about having it restored. I know many book restorers could replace the entire cover with new. Or, I could just have it cleaned and repaired as best they can, or I could just leave it the way it is. I’m not going to throw it away. The photos in the album are in great shape. I’ll put some in my next posting. Help!!! I know everyone out there must have an opinion.

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    Comments

    1. scottvez scottvez, 13 years ago
      The album dates from about 1880s. Most collectors have more of an interest in the photographs than the albums. Also even though the album is 1880s, there are often earlier photographs found inside.

      I understand the attachment to the album since it came from the family. Restoring, if it can even be done, will be costly. Have you considered boxing the album to save it and removing the photographs? You could find a similar album for much less than the cost of trying to restore.

      At any rate, thanks for sharing. I am looking forward to seeing the images from inside!

      Scott
    2. marcobabe13 marcobabe13, 13 years ago
      Thanks, Scott. Most of the photos have been removed as I'm scanning and labeling all of them. I think your idea to box the album and find a similar album is a good one. I did find a book restorer online where I can send photos of the album and get a free estimate on restoration. I guess it wouldn't hurt to do that!
      Thanks again.
    3. scottvez scottvez, 13 years ago
      Good luck.

      I'd be interested in what the restorer tells you.

      If you decide to look for another let me know-- I may be able to able to help out. I do a lot on ebay and see similar ones on a regular basis.

      Scott

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