Is a riker mount safe ?

[Katze Felix]

Hello Gents,

Can anyone tell for certain or not if the riker mounts that I see all around us are at all friendly to the artifacts we put in them? The cardboard would be acidic for certain, glass right up against cloth and metal? What about the bleached cotton like inside lining and the plastic-like foam inserts. I have read that wool felt is very acidic and that velvet is a better background material as it does not off-gas like wool felt.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Martin

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

Hello Gents,

Can anyone tell for certain or not if the riker mounts that I see all around us are at all friendly to the artifacts we put in them? The cardboard would be acidic for certain, glass right up against cloth and metal? What about the bleached cotton like inside lining and the plastic-like foam inserts. I have read that wool felt is very acidic and that velvet is a better background material as it does not off-gas like wool felt.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Martin

I use a lot of ryker displays in my collection. I have had brass, silver, copper, and plated medals of all shapes and sizes in felt-lined rykers for years, and heve never noticed any difference in the items whatsoever. As far as glass, it is completely inert, so that should not be a problem in itself. however, if you store these cases in a shed or garage, or in sunlight condensate will form inside-then you are in trouble..........but nobody that I know stores them in such conditions.

[usmedalman]

The white padding in the Riker mounts is acid free, so it is very safe. However I don't really like the looks of it so I usually lay a piece of felt over it to add color and contrast to the badges and still have never had any problems. I have been using Riker mounts exclusively for storing my medals and badges for over 15 years. I have 26 of them filled and have never had any damage of any kind to the medals or badges.

John

[W.Unland]

Hello,

I would only add to be cautious about some "flocked" foam-like insert sheets that some retailers sell to dress up the riker mounts. They come in all colors and look like velvet. They are cut to size and really look good, BUT don't use them.

These DO emit fumes that can damage items placed in contact with them. I made this mistake, but noticed after a few months the INSIDE of the glass got foggy and greasy. I can only imagine the damage this might cause over time.

Regards,
Bill Unland