PGM - JIM 83 (signed by Stan) 2 2

[HighVoltage]

I have a raw JIM 83, signed by Stan, but with resto on the front cover in the purple box/top of building area along the spine (chunk out/replaced).

I've had this book for 30+ years, and had it signed by Stan about 30 years ago in red sharpie.

Amateur(?) resto with a piece of tape on the inner cover. I have no idea if it's archival tape. But that area has held together/aged well compared to typical scotch tape.
I do not know how long ago the resto was performed, as I purchased the book with this resto already in place.

This is a pretty good-looking copy except for that resto AND a bug chew along the top right corner (looking at the cover).
The chews/nibbles, counting from back to front go from the back cover all the way into page 7 of the book. The first 6 pages are unaffected.

I neglected to take photos of the staples, but they are quite snug & have no oxidation/rust. Centerfold secure.

Page quality is not white. Likely C to OW, but perhaps OW. The book feels supply and 'bouncy' in-hand.

There is a small moisture drop evident on the interior of the cover, LLC area.

Top of spine has a small piece out/tear away. Top edge of back cover a little rough wear. Nothing to catastrophic.

So - looking for a little guidance on where this one settles out.

Seems better than a 2.0. Maybe up to a 3.0? But the bug chews probably keep it from touching a 3.5.

Any help & grades you think of are greatly appreciated!

[shadroch]

That bug chew is a killer. I wouldn't go above a 2.0 on that alone. 

[Sgtmjwilson]

I agree that is a killer.

 

[Bayowolf]

2.5

[grendelbo]

Very nice description of the book's flaws.

I'll add the right edge of the front cover appears trimmed.

Purple Label 2.5 but 3.0 wouldn't surprise me.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Primetime]

2.5

[Chief1332]

For all of the detractors, it still looks pretty nice.  Given the Key status of the book, would some professional attention be appropriate?

[universal soldier]

Nice book to have! Purple 2.5 is my guess.

[Galen130]

2.5 Restored train…

[rexinnih]

On the 2.5 bandwagon but would take anytime for my collection. 

[gadzukes]

I'll say 2.5, but with a 25% chance at a 3.0

[HighVoltage]

On 10/30/2021 at 8:05 AM, Chief1332 said:

For all of the detractors, it still looks pretty nice.  Given the Key status of the book, would some professional attention be appropriate?

That's a very good question!
I have given it a little thought over the years, but I always ended up in the 'leave-it-alone' camp.
But if the bug-chew area were to be re-worked and the top of the spine and a bit on the top back cover - I do wonder what the restored grade could achieve.
No idea on re-working the large chunk out of the cover that has already been replaced.

It's an interesting idea for sure!

Edited November 1, 2021 by HighVoltage
can't spell!