Restoration

“Fast and friendly service – The Fratello Marionettes did an amazing job repairing my very valuable marionette.”

— Miles S.

The Fratello Marionettes specializes in restoring all types of puppets and marionettes. Clients entrust their heirlooms to us because of our experience, expertise, care and attention to detail.

  • Marionettes
  • Pelham Puppets
  • Hand Puppets
  • Moving Mouth Puppets
  • Rod Puppets

Basic restoration includes 25 lb. black marionette string, cleaning of painted surfaces, minor repairs and tuning. Colored strings are available for all Pelham Puppets. More services, including paint and costume repair, are available for an additional fee – please contact us for a quote.

Marionette Re-Stringing up to 12 inches tall

PRICE SHIPPING*
USA $80.00 $20.00 UPS/USPS
ABROAD $80.00 $35.00 UPS/USPS

Marionette Re-Stringing 12 inches and taller

PRICE SHIPPING*
USA $100.00 $25.00 UPS/USPS
ABROAD $100.00 $50.00 UPS/USPS

Instructions

  1. Please send puppet and payment in U.S. Funds (check, cash, money order) to:
    • Kevin Menegus
      2579 Lynn Dr.
      Pinole, CA 94564
  2. Please include your return shipping address.
  • Customer is responsible for any excess shipping costs due to weight or size.

This is how NOT to send puppets

Please pack puppets carefully with bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Repair work for any damage caused by improper packing will be an additional fee added to the standard quoted restoration services.

“I hired Kevin to restring a marionette and put him back together. He did the job quickly and quite frankly he was outstanding.”

— Harry H.

“WOW!! We had great service, fast response, and wonderful service. The puppet came back and not only works, but looks great.”

— Manda R.

“They repaired my dragon marionette so it is now better than new… Excellent workmanship, courteous, prompt service!”

— Mia M.

Past Restoration Work

Pelham Puppet 1963 Mother Dragon

This vintage marionette was covered in a heavy layer of dirt and soot. Each part was carefully separated and thoroughly cleaned, then reassembled with new waxed linen thread. The disintegrated rubber bands on the control were replaced and new black braided marionette string was used for restringing.

Pelham Puppet Snake Charmer

The clothing on this rare 1950s Snake Charmer was removed, hand washed and pressed. The painted parts were carefully cleaned and the broken ankle joints were replaced. A fresh red feather replaced the disintegrated one, and new black braided marionette string was used for restringing.

Pelham Puppet King

The clothing on this rare 1950s King from the Alice in Wonderland series was removed, hand washed and pressed. The King’s neck and head were reattached and the painted parts were carefully cleaned. Lastly, the strings were replaced with new black braided marionette string.

Pelham Puppet Display Unit

This 1960s motorized display unit required extensive restoration. The original puppets were too faded and damaged to reuse, so new puppets were acquired. The fabric covering was removed and vintage fabric and trim were patterned after the original. The felt shapes on the floor were removed and patterned, and wool felt was dyed to match the original colors. The wooden structure was repainted to match the original shade, and the puppets were restrung with new black braided marionette string.

Bob Baker Judy Marionette

This rare 1940s marionette modeled after Judy Garland had her clothes removed, hand washed and pressed. The disintegrated leather joints were replaced, along with cleaning all the painted parts. The legs and arms were repainted matching the original flesh tone. Lastly, the original strings were reattached to the finished puppet.

Czech Girl Marionette

The clothing on this early 1900s Czech marionette was removed, hand washed and pressed. The painted parts were carefully cleaned and the hair was combed and set. Her strings were replaced with new black braided marionette string.

Pelham Puppet Wuff

The parts on this 1950s marionette were separated, repaired and thoroughly cleaned. Finally, he was reassembled with new internal cords and restrung with new colored strings.

“The Fratello Marionettes did such a great job fixing my marionette! I was so happy to see it when it came home again! Kevin’s communication was excellent, as was his turn-around time.”

— Shari W.

“Kevin fixed my mother’s marionette from the 1930’s. He completed the project in just a few days and exceeded all expectations. Kevin did an outstanding job and I know it will be a family treasure for years to come.”

— John T.

Questions about Puppet Restoration?