garm wrote:
I missed it! I can't believe one came up, just after I mentioned it on a post the other day. Talk about coincidence!

Hey, garm, would you mind casually mentioning it again in another thread? Maybe we can get another one to pop up!

Okay, then. Let's try this - now, everybody - concentrate!

http://the-big-bang-theory.com/images ... 96958bc7d5515b03e2931.jpg

Anyone any thoughts on that spine damage? I'm assuming, with these being red, that they can show signs of some light damage to the spine. Anyone ever seen one of these, like this one, which wasn't in fine condition? And any thoughts on whether this should dent value?

BH

I also wondered about the spine damage. A couple years ago, I opened a copy of the 1987 Super Deluxe Hobbit, that was still in its original box. Upon opening, when I removed the book from its slipcase, it had a wax-like build-up around that same part of the spine. In my case, it just seemed like it was maybe a by product of the leather finishing process, and that stuff had either come out of the leather or just turned opaque for some reason. Some very gentle cleaning completely removed the cloudy waxy stuff, and the book looked as it should . Could this be the case here?

My copy is slightly faded on the spine. It has never worried me, but I didn't buy it as an investment.

Elwe - What did you use to clean it?

Indeed, what did you use to clean it? Obviously Brodart, and these types of companies, all sell leather cleaning products --but they always warn against using on the book in question first i.e. that you test it on something expendable. Would there be any factors to take into account specifically with the red 1982 Silmarillion? (Deagol, do you mind me asking when you bought yours, & how much it cost? --altho' I'm sure I've asked you this. Did you note, too, that this copy is your neighbouring number? )

BH

I am very dubious about using ang cleaning materials on my copy.

Is your copy light damaged (darkened) at all though Trotter? i.e. do you need to clean it?

BH

The spine is faded, but this is very common with red books, so I would not do anything to it.

It is still my favourite book!