To Restore or Not to Restore?

Came across this unusual, coal heated, hot dog "hawker" box. A friend and I are having a discussion about whether I should restore it or leave it as is. Aside from paint and lettering it is in great shape (glass is 100%, no major dents or holes and all the parts are there, original leather strap and buckles) so restoration would be fairly economical. I say it should be treated like any other vending item (coca cola machines and the like) and be brought back to original condition. He says I'll kill the value. Any thoughts? Also, if anyone has seen one like this let me know. Thanks.

 

If you screw up the restoration - yes, it becomes worthless. But who wants to buy a piece of junk? If you restore it PROPERLY, it increases the value.

 

That's my point to him. It's not a fine piece of art or furniture or something where patina matters. It's a cool piece of old Americana. It would be nice to see how it was originally when it was at the ballpark.

 

JMHO.
intended to be sold - leave as is.
intended to be kept - do whatever suits you.

 

In agreement with alors.
Can you connect it to a specific ballpark? There are a number of guys who are into all sorts of vintage vendor/usher paraphernalia associated with specific major league stadia...

 

I'm with alors as well. I would do no more than give it a gentle clean and some polish on the leather strap to keep it from cracking.

 

The only reason to restore it is if you intend to use it for it's original purpose and start selling hot dogs.

Otherwise leave it alone.

 

Hi,
I would give it a good waxing and as AJ has suggested polish the strap.
greg

 

Um...anyone looked at the price of hot dogs lately...?

 

how much ? and where ?

 

What a fun piece! Id leave it alone as well.

 

One more voice to agree with Alors. Most collectors would want original (not restored) condition. However if for your own use, do whatever you want. Also agree if you can link to a ballpark, that would be awesome!

What a cool item!

 

So, the next question is ....are you anywhere near a baseball park????? That has history to it????

 

Please don't "restore". Its value and appeal is its originality. As AJ suggests, a gentle clean all over and a good saddle soap on the leather strap and its yours forever.

 

I'd leave bad enough alone too. Clean it up a bit and let it look the way it's meant to.

 

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