Nipper Restoration

[Jerry B.]

I bought this Nipper at the Orlando show for $25. Justin was kind enough to bring it to Union along with other Orlando purchases. This is the most ambitious Nipper restoration I've tried. Other than my small investment, what do I have to lose? These are "as found" photos.

I didn't know anything about this Nipper so I checked Joan & Robin Rolfs' wonderful book "Nipper Collectables - The RCA Trademark Dog." The image on page 2-48 is the same paper-mache dog. I couldn't help but be curious about their estimated value of this Nipper. In good condition it ranged from $300 to $699. I have no illusions about my Nipper being worth anything close to that value even when restored but it told me it was worth my best efforts. The caption in the book did not give much information so I call the Rolfs' number and was lucky to get Joan. She said at the time the book was being written they did not have this particular Nipper in their collection. She said she has seen less than a handful of this 9" Nipper. They now have one and it has a red Old King Cole label inside the body. The red label is the same as found in the early glass eyed Nippers. She thought his Nipper was made in the 1920's or possibly a little earlier.

Jerry Blais

[Jerry B.]

My first goal is to stabilize Nipper. Both front legs are a bit wobbly. Both the head end and lower portion of the dog need serious attention. I wanted to fix both front legs in their proper position. I applied a small portion of Elmer's wood glue into the cracks where the front legs meed the body. Next I used small pieces of foam rubber to hold the legs in their correct positions while the glue dried. Next I brushed a thin layer of Elmer's to portions of the lower body that are missing the finish layer. Hopefully, this will prevent Nipper from shedding even more. I think I'll work on the lower restoration before I tackle the head. Enough for one day. DeeDee says to be patient and I'm working on that quality.

Jerry Blais

[Django]

Please post some after pictures, (during restoration pictures would be nice too). Good luck.

[Curt A]

Looks like Nipper met up with a pit bull...

[Swing Band Heaven]

Yes please keep us updated with progress. That nipper sure is in "wruff" condition

[Garret]

Nipper looks like he's had a hard life.

[tomb]

with the basics there You should be able restore good as new.. Good luck. Tom B

[A Ford 1]

If I were you I would start looking at acid free archival glues to use on the paper Nipper. Aleene's glues made by FABRIQUE' PAR FABRICADO POR 5673 East Shields Ave. Fresno, CA makes one that can be bought on line google Aleene's acid free glue but there are many others also.
Best of luck,
Allen

[Jerry B.]

Today I did a rough cleanup on the joint areas where the front legs meet the torso. The legs are nice and strong. Nipper is missing an area in his left haunches about where the left rear foot attaches. I glued a piece of double thick shopping sack to the inside of his body to fill the missing spot. It should provide a good foundation to create a left foot. A Ford 1, thanks for the glue suggestion.

Jerry Blais

[downsouth]

Looking good Jerry! When you finish with him, I've got a 41" paper mache Nipper that needs his front feet. Wes