TMNT #1- authentic?

[MrPliggins]

It's ok---by "next", I probably mean "years from now". It's not often I have a large load to spend on comics...

[soccerstud652]

Tax rebate...CMON!

[MrPliggins]

true, true...I keep forgetting about that....

[turkishproverb]

Originally Posted by TMNTerminator

Well, if everything looks about right, you may simply have a "restored" (or as some in the business of selling "restored" books as "unrestored" books may call "enhanced" ) book.

This is actually quite common with key books, and TMNT #1 certainly qualifies as a key from the Copper Age. If it was trimmed, there may also be some color touch to further "enhance" the book. There may be other resto work as well. But while it may be a restored book, it still might be a an original book. As this is a book you are probably looking to keep, you should be ok. (as if you were to resell it, and you disclosed the resto work, you would most likely get LESS than an unrestored book in similiar grade)

Anyways, sorry to hear about this. Hope it works out for you.

Ok, I have to say the first sentence bugs me the same way all comic collectors do.

This is the ONE industry where restored collectibles are considered less worthwhile than the crappy condition they started out in. Its such a short sighted thing it tends to make me sick.

Yes, unrestored should be worth more a the same quality, but restored should not be a "dirty" word in the secondary market.

[OA]

Originally Posted by turkishproverb

Ok, I have to say the first sentence bugs me the same way all comic collectors do.

This is the ONE industry where restored collectibles are considered less worthwhile than the crappy condition they started out in. Its such a short sighted thing it tends to make me sick.

Yes, unrestored should be worth more a the same quality, but restored should not be a "dirty" word in the secondary market.

Um, this is not the only industry...

Off the top of my head, if you have a sweet antique table let's say, and you decide to give it a fresh coating of paint, maybe fill in some chips, maybe replace a bolt or 2, you would expect it to have the same (or more) value as a "crappy condition" unrestored piece? I don't think so. Even one of those "enhancements" will bring down value. Restoration is generally more acceptable in antique furniture than in comics, but is still lowers the value. And thats just the antique market. Sportscards and coins are another I can think of.

I'm not saying I agree with it. I'm not even saying I wouldn't purchase a "restored" item. I'm just saying that if I'm buying something that is restored, I want that information DISCLOSED truthfully so then I can make an informed decsion. (and generally, pay a lower price than I would have if it was unrestored)

In Pliggins case, if it was trimmed, I don't think that info was disclosed before hand. Maybe it would have made a difference and maybe it wouldn't have as for some people they could care less, but I think that sort of info should be disclosed.

As far as comic collectors as a whole seeing restoration as a dirty word, you're right, most do. Espescially in regards to old comics from the Gold and Silver age. You can see thousands of dollars less in difference of price on restored items. My feeling is that generally speaking, people want a book that is as close to "off the newstand" as possible. They don't want a book that's been tampered with to any degree to look better, in essense a "frankenbook". Just look a Blue label CGC (unrestored) book versus a Purple label (restored0 book in the same grade and see the vast difference. Again, I'm not saying thats right or wrong. But thats just the nature of the market.

[turkishproverb]

Originally Posted by TMNTerminator

Um, this is not the only industry...

Off the top of my head, if you have a sweet antique table let's say, and you decide to give it a fresh coating of paint, maybe fill in some chips, maybe replace a bolt or 2, you would expect it to have the same (or more) value as a "crappy condition" unrestored piece? I don't think so. Even one of those "enhancements" will bring down value. Restoration is generally more acceptable in antique furniture than in comics, but is still lowers the value. And thats just the antique market. Sportscards and coins are another I can think of.

I'm not saying I agree with it. I'm not even saying I wouldn't purchase a "restored" item. I'm just saying that if I'm buying something that is restored, I want that information DISCLOSED truthfully so then I can make an informed decsion. (and generally, pay a lower price than I would have if it was unrestored)

In Pliggins case, if it was trimmed, I don't think that info was disclosed before hand. Maybe it would have made a difference and maybe it wouldn't have as for some people they could care less, but I think that sort of info should be disclosed.

As far as comic collectors as a whole seeing restoration as a dirty word, you're right, most do. Espescially in regards to old comics from the Gold and Silver age. You can see thousands of dollars less in difference of price on restored items. My feeling is that generally speaking, people want a book that is as close to "off the newstand" as possible. They don't want a book that's been tampered with to any degree to look better, in essense a "frankenbook". Just look a Blue label CGC (unrestored) book versus a Purple label (restored0 book in the same grade and see the vast difference. Again, I'm not saying thats right or wrong. But thats just the nature of the market.

Erm, while I agree with most of what you said, your generally wrong on restored furniture going for less than it would have while beaten up. It does however, not raise the value much, and has to be true "restoration" (IE: Returning it to as similar to old condition as possible) to qualify, or it WILL drive down the price.


Sports cards you right, i just tend to ignore those so i forgot, and coin restoration is a complicated issue (cleaning a coin is technically restoration, but acceptable. re carving is not)