posted 04-10-2009 08:16 AM            

Last year I actually sold a few New York City newspapers on ebay featuring the Challenger Explosion on the cover page and throughout the issue. They did not sell for much, but they did sell. They were yellowing at the edges and I wanted to sell them before it got worse.

If your newspaper is in a tube, keep it there. You have to take it out once to photograph the main page and a few pages inside. Then, return it to the safekeeping of the tube. Yes, there are collectors who know its value and will pay to add it to their collections.

posted 04-10-2009 09:24 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by MoonCrater1:
If your newspaper is in a tube, keep it there.

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How can I preserve an important edition of a newspaper?

Newspaper preservation is a challenge because newsprint is an inherently unstable paper. Formulated to be inexpensive and expendable, newsprint is manufactured with large percentages of unpurified wood pulp which contains impurities that remain in the paper after processing. These impurities, when exposed to light, high humidity and atmospheric pollutants, promote discoloration and acidic reactions in the paper. Acidity causes the paper fibers to weaken and break, and is the major culprit in causing the paper to become brittle.

When newspapers are valued as artifacts, preservation requires a stable environment: 60-70 degrees F.; 40-50% relative humidity (RH); protection from light; and storage in non damaging materials. Newspapers should be stored flat, protected within a rigid box or folder. Special newspaper size boxes and enclosures are available from conservation suppliers. Added protection may be provided by interleaving the newsprint with thin sheets of alkaline buffered tissue, also available from conservation suppliers. Never laminate or use pressure sensitive mending tape on papers you want to preserve. If papers need to be relaxed or tears repaired, seek conservation services from a qualified professional.

When newspapers or clippings are valued most for the information they contain, and not as artifacts, copying the information onto a more permanent quality paper should be undertaken. Photocopies will far outlive newsprint when stored under normal conditions.

posted 04-10-2009 09:33 AM               

As a side note, I wouldn't recommend using tubes to store old newspapers. They will conform to that shape, and when you want to actually see them you'll find that they want to stay rolled up, or even crumble, when you try to flatten them out.

Most arts and crafts stores will sell a large thin cardboard archival portfolio. (I'm not sure that's what it's called, but it's more than large enough to hold newspapers flat and open- that is, showing the whole front page.) Then you can buy online acid-free tissue-paper-like sheets large enough to put between each newspaper. In my experience this provides for good, safe storage.

posted 04-11-2009 01:12 PM            

I had 4 Evening Standards with full colour wrap arounds showing, Elton John, David Cassidy, Osmond's and Slade a UK Glam rock band. All cost 8p in the 1970's and none sold for less than #30 each so a nice profit. I have Challenger newspapers but don't sit comfortable making money from such a loss that is close to my heart and interest in space so if sold will donate somewhere.

I have had many gulf War newspapers and Falklands War newspapers. All sold but for very little. I did have one where the SAS went into the Embassy in the early 80's shot the terrorist (shame that) only one survived (shame that too) but this paper went for #29.

1st moon landing I reckon will go for #10 or less but I would not buy it because it is an American paper I have never heard of. I would gladly pay #10 for a Daily Mirror 1st landing uit only to stick in a frame.

I have many many Royalty newspapers like weddings, engagements etc and they are worthless and do not sell unless you find a lucky bidder

Hope this helps.

P.S. I would not use a tube as they tend to stay curled up so its flat and in the dark for me away from any moisture.

Good Luck.