Thanks for the tips Amon Rudh but yes, the cost is a no go for me. I don't want to alter the original material.

Amon Rudh wrote:

Perhaps you could use a red leather polish to reduce the contrast? I'd expect this would just rub off of the gold lettering leaving it unchanged.

I wouldn't recommend this on an item as valuable as this one, unless you knew what you were doing, you could damage the book further. Would be better to consult with a binder to see what restoration can be done.

Fair enough of course but I'd not heard of this before and thought I'd mention it 🙂

Mr. Underhill wrote:

Amon Rudh wrote:

Perhaps you could use a red leather polish to reduce the contrast? I'd expect this would just rub off of the gold lettering leaving it unchanged.

I wouldn't recommend this on an item as valuable as this one, unless you knew what you were doing, you could damage the book further. Would be better to consult with a binder to see what restoration can be done.

I've already did this a couple of days ago (I was already sent the pics by the seller). Reached some very reputable bookbinders in Paris, and they all told me no miracle could be achieved in that case. (maybe a cleaning of the leather which could darken it a little bit)

Emilien wrote:

I've already did this a couple of days ago (I was already sent the pics by the seller). Reached some very reputable bookbinders in Paris, and they all told me no miracle could be achieved in that case. (maybe a cleaning of the leather which could darken it a little bit)

That's what I figured they would say, unfortunately. Sunlight and humidity, the silent book killers!

Trotter wrote:

Emilien wrote:

Trotter wrote:

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The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien - Super Deluxe Limited Numbered Edition #280

305056544343

Seller: drelling

(177)

Ended Aug 14, 2023

This item ended more than 90 days ago

There's no way to fix this faded spine, isn't it?

No, not without a book-binder replacing the spine with new leather.

Hmmm interesting... I have a Super Deluxe Hobbit that has this issue...

Has anybody else done this process? Anyone you would recommend?

I'm not a book binder but I'd try a neutral coloured leather conditioner... (checking that the ph is within 4.5 to 5.5 and used sparingly). It would restore some of the lustre and make it appear less faded. It would also make the leather less likely to cracking and warping in low humidity conditions.

Fair point. 👍