I have been pondering this notion for some time and wanted to hear other opinions on this matter. Many great old props are highly collectible, but we all know that, even with the best care, age has its toll on these older props, especially the paint finish. Does refinishing or restoration work, even professionally done, impact on its collectibility and value? Or do collectors feel there is a certain "history" to aged props that should not be tampered with? Any opinions?

It all depends what the market thinks. If someone wants an unaltered original even if the alteration was made in the spirit of improvement, this buyer may choose to pass or give much less money for it. Though complex in specific application, I think the concept is fairly simple.

Regards,
Jordan

As someone who has been called on in the past to do restorations as well as recreations I believe the determination has to be made by the owner/collector as to what s/he wants, probably more than the market. If the CURRENT owner prefers to have all their collectible props look like Conradi, Roterbeg or Thayer just shipped them, well, it's their dime.

If looking for greater historical accuracy and/or eventual monetary return is more the thought, a minor cleaning and the barest of repair using authentic materials (no Phillips head screws in a Water Torture Cell, let's say) is in your best interest. This is the philosophy a majority of the "serious" collectors I have dealt with seem to adhere to.

For my part, I try to keep "new collectible" pieces in as good a condition as possible and do no more than necessary to true antiques to "place" them in the proper historical context. After I'm gone, the next guy gets to do what he wants with them!