When old paper breaks if it is creased, it is a sign of its being
acid paper.  Many, perhaps all, old piano rolls were on acid paper.
Non-acid paper was very expensive.  Some paper has more acid content
than others.

This problem is why Library of Congress has to throw away thousands of
books every yearn many of which that was the only copy.  If they can't
afford to digitize the book, and it is no longer usable but turning
into powder, it gets destroyed for all time.

Unfortunately, within an unknown number a years, our old piano rolls
will also turn to powder one brand name at a time.  There are a couple
of high acid brands that you can no longer find already.  This is why
it is imperative that we digitize every piano roll we can before the
last copy powders away.  There are some techniques they use to
de-acidify book paper but it is expensive and requires special pressure
rooms.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

D.L. Bullock
St. Louis
www.thepianoworld.com