Rusty Staples or No Staples

[Crusader66]

What's the expert consensus on whether removing staples deteriorates value?

[Wullie]

i'd be more worried if the staples deteriorates the paper.
Most rust has occurred due to poor storage. Once in the hands of a collector , in theory it shouldn't deteriorate any further as you would expect the programme to be stored correctly. So may as well leave the staple attached. I assume you meant remove the staples to prevent rusting ?

[NWM Football]

It's the big bug-bear of old programmes, but if the staples are that poor that it's necessary to remove them, then I would have no hesitation in doing so.

I picked up a bundle of 1930's Arsenal homes for stock recently, a couple of them had staples which were very poor, so I have removed them (listed as 'r/s rem' on my website). Also have a couple of late 40's/early 50's F.A. Cup Finals in stock where staples have been removed too.

In my opinion, if removing very poor staples would help prevent deterioration of the programme, then the programme is better off without them.
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[hibernian]

NWM Football wrote:

It's the big bug-bear of old programmes, but if the staples are that poor that it's necessary to remove them, then I would have no hesitation in doing so. I picked up a bundle of 1930's Arsenal homes for stock recently, a couple of them had staples which were very poor, so I have removed them (listed as 'r/s rem' on my website). Also have a couple of late 40's/early 50's F.A. Cup Finals in stock where staples have been removed too. In my opinion, if removing very poor staples would help prevent deterioration of the programme, then the programme is better off without them.

Absolutely agree. I have no problem with removing them and in my opinion does not detract the programme.

[Dorking]

I'd rather have an old programme held together with a rusty staple than have mint pages but no staple. Really annoys me all the pages being loose and unconnected

Probably in the minority

[Footyfan]

A founding member of the now defunct British Programme Club (Hull based) advocated removing staples from programmes.

There is an article on the subject by the BPC by the late Norman Lovett in a Soccer Review mag dated from the 1960s.

I have some programmes in my collecton where the staples have been replaced with cotton (i.e. sewn through the staples holes to form a cotton staple.

When I have more time I will will dig out the article and post it as a Reference.

The Refeence is "The Programme King Abdicates" in the League Football magazine issue No 704 from 1972/73.

[Paul Johnson]

what about replacing the rusty staple with a new one?

[MINSTERMAN]

I think it was suggested on this forum some time ago that replacing rusty staples was akin to renovating a piece of old furniture by putting, say, new draw runners or handles on it.

Not saying I agree, just saying !

I always attempt to remove rusty staples, although I can see the argument that says leave them in as the damage has already been done.

I was aghast a few years ago to find some slight deterioration in some staples from programmes from 30 years ago, so I replaced the staples!

[NWM Football]

It's certainly an interesting dilemma, and I can also see the argument for leaving staples alone. I also have a few progs kicking around where dead staples have been replaced by a piece of cotton.
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Visit http://nwmfootball.com/ for programmes, books, DVDs, shirts & sportswear and other football collectables. Click here http://nwmfootball.com/nwm-diary/ to see which Programme Fairs and Antiques & Collectors' Fairs we will be attending.

[Tynie Topics]

Dorking wrote:

I'd rather have an old programme held together with a rusty staple than have mint pages but no staple. Really annoys me all the pages being loose and unconnected Probably in the minority

That's my take on it, at the end of the day if they are rusty when you acquired the programme then its not going to get any worse if you store it correctly, which being a collector you'll do anyway.

A staple is part of the programme.
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[manchesterunitedman1]

Tynie Topics wrote:

Dorking wrote: I'd rather have an old programme held together with a rusty staple than have mint pages but no staple. Really annoys me all the pages being loose and unconnected Probably in the minority That's my take on it, at the end of the day if they are rusty when you acquired the programme then its not going to get any worse if you store it correctly, which being a collector you'll do anyway. A staple is part of the programme.

I agree entirely too
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