El Portal Porcelana

"For People Passionate About Spanish Porcelain"
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Questions About Damage and Restoration

"I think my figurine must be damaged somehow. Even though I can't see anything wrong with it on the outside, there's this rattling sound from inside as if something had broken loose. What's up with that?"
You'll be happy to know your figurine isn't damaged in any way. The sound you hear is typical of fine porcelain figurines and results from the puncturing of that tiny "steam hole" in the base, which allows pressure to escape during firing so the item won't blow up in the kiln. The rattling sound is made by the little "plug" of porcelain that is dislodged in making the hole.
"Phew! Am I glad to hear that because I actually have a Lladró that is damaged. Does it cost a lot to have a piece restored - and is it worth the cost? I sort of have a sentimental attachment to this piece because my favorite aunt gave it to me."
Yes, typically restoration is quite expensive. The least I ever paid to have a piece restored was $70, the most about $200. And that was for damage that wasn't catastrophic. In answering the question of whether an item is worth restoring, there are several factors to consider:
Availability
If it's currently being produced, it will probably be cheaper to buy a new one than to have the item restored.
Value of the piece after restoration
The general rule of thumb is that a top-of-the-line restoration (one that's invisible even under blacklight) will restore only about 75% of the value of the same piece in mint condition. The only exception to this rule is a genuinely rare piece otherwise unavailable in any condition. With such rarities, a top-drawer restoration may get back 100% of the value.
Resale
If you just want to enjoy the piece yourself and don't care about resale, a less expensive restoration by a competent restorer may well be enough. Just be aware that other collectors will usually not buy a piece with visible damage - and some collectors are so "anal" even about invisible damage that, if they have access to such facilities for the purpose, they'll take the piece to a medical facility to have it X-rayed (the one foolproof way to detect a topnotch invisible restoration).
Sentiment
There's no discounting sentimental value - but it shouldn't be over-rated, either! I'm sure your dear aunt would want you to be sensible and not mortgage the family farm to restore the exact piece she held in her own hand if you can get the same model spanking new for less.
This little grouping of a kitten having a face-off with a frog on a lily pad is called "Kitty Confrontation"(#1442), still being produced at a retail price of $310 USD. The flowerwork is what drives the price on this relatively small (3.5"H) item. It's also the thing most vulnerable to damage. Lladró regards the restoration of flowerwork by a competent professional, using Lladró-supplied replacment parts, as a restoration to pristine condition (and, thus, 100% of value). (Photo by the author from her own collection.)


Questions on Value of "Seconds"
Value Issues with Prototypes
Questions on Damage & Restoration (1) (2) (3)
Questions About Authenticity
Questions About Buying & Selling
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