It was the part about using mineral oil that got me. No big deal. I won't lose my sense of enjoyment or humor over something like cleaning a chip.

Let me get to the simple parts, the way I see it.

If a chip is a reproduction or remanufactured variety, it should be marked. "COPY" not W or D or something that means nothing to someone who isn't on the inside track. It should be marked, so it can't be removed.

If a chip is restored or repaired, the seller should say so. But we run into the problem of the secondary market. Person A restores a chip for Person B. A hole is filled and the inlay is re-glued. Person B has it in their collection and decides to sell it, or it is distributed from their estate. Now Buyer C doesn't know it's repaired and restored and soon we have something less that forthright, out in the marketplace.

I don't know exactly what to think of this. We restore cars and furniture, and re-sell them. A wrinkled bank note can be pressed to make it more attractive. An old clock is cleaned, repaired and put in perfect working order. All of this is above board, accepted practice and well known. But I still don't want a repaired/restored casino chip, even if I'm told it was enhanced. What about the next person who might not be told?

I don't know. Maybe restoration will become common practice as with just about every other collectible? Something to consider.

Fakes, copies and frauds are always going to be the same. Dishonest with the intention to cheat someone.

Sitting on the fence of repair and restoration is begining to hurt. Like being in the middle of the road on an issue and hoping a semi isn't coming along, hugging the centerline.