Question for vintage numismatic bibliophiles...

Broadstruck · January 16, 2012 1:03AM

I have one of Charles Bushnell's 1858 originals with cloth hardcovers and it's ex: Library and has the dewey decimal adhered to the spine. A white label covered with scotch tape, below is a small piece of cobalt blue colored electrical type tape. The tape is only still adhering to the front and rear hardbound covers with minimal adhesion. The front inside cover does show extensive library usage, yet the exterior spine junk is bothersome to me... So should I attempt to gently remove or leave it as is?

astrorat · January 16, 2012 1:16AM

Dude! Leave as is ... you may do some inadvertent damage that can't be undone. If it bothers you that much, let a conservator give it a try. Don't risk damaging your nice book yourself.

Sonorandesertrat · January 16, 2012 1:21AM

I would also be bothered by library markings/labels/tape on the spine. I would remove the label and tape, if it seems possible to do so gently, and then use a Q-tip dipped in a solvent to remove any residual adhesive. But...what you see underneath will likely appear different from the rest of the spine (in terms of hue) because the label and tape have protected the cloth underneath from sunning and soiling.

ricko · January 16, 2012 1:32AM

I agree with astrorat... let a conservator do the work... books are not like coins and are very unforgiving of mistakes. Cheers, RickO

shorecoll · January 16, 2012 1:36AM

I would leave it as is, or send it to an expert. If you just can't leave it alone, get professional library materials to use on it, don't use commercial grade or OTC solvents. Some old book stores sell the professional grade stuff, make a couple of calls. You can also get stuff online at places like Vernon Library Supply, etc. You could also have it rebound using the original boards, it's likely worth the investment.

MidLifeCrisis · January 16, 2012 1:43AM

<< <i>I agree with astrorat... let a conservator do the work... books are not like coins and are very unforgiving of mistakes. Cheers, RickO >>

This is one reason I don't collect rare books any more. Too hard to take care of them.

Broadstruck · January 16, 2012 1:51AM

Thanks as conservation might be the way to go as it also has a huge donation sticker inside, a scannable upc code sticker, the library card pocket, and much to my surprise a huge dvd type anti theft foil sticker

Unknown · January 16, 2012 3:18AM

This content has been removed.

Lakesammman · January 16, 2012 5:19AM

Turn it around so the spine is facing away from you, then write the title with a felt marker on the now exposed paper edges. Write it vertically so you don't hurt your neck trying to read sideways.

Sonorandesertrat · January 16, 2012 5:22AM

Given all of the other issues with your copy, I would have it professionally conserved.

firstmint · January 16, 2012 6:00AM

Leave it be...it's ex-Libris, and those who purchase such items know what that means.

Bushnell's 1858 "Arrangement..." has been accurately reprinted with the four plates.

The only real value in an original would be if the covers and contents were in near mint condition (doubtful) and the title page is printed in both black and red and has the portrait of Bushnell included.

Question for vintage numismatic bibliophiles...

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