is this safe

[stuart a.]

hi all
been collecting for about 2 yrs now and keep my collection as shown in the photo below will this way of storing individual items cause any harm as i have no knowledge of this whatsoever
thanks
stuart

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Stuart, I would remove all the medals/awards from the plastic bags and paper backings.

The chances are the white paper will be acidic and will do good in the long term? If the plastic bags are not archival quality they could harm the finish to your awards.

You have a nice glass display cabinet there, which is great to show off your collection in. I hope that you don't mind me saying, but my wife was looking over my shoulder at the pic and asked "who's shop is that?" The packets made her think that.

Cheers, Ade.

[PZIV]

I'd agree with Ade. I think the most popular (and in my opinion most effective) way to display your items are with the use of these stands: Fairly priced I think.

http://www.jpscorner.com/Easels_Disp...nds.htm#Easels

P.S: Because you live in Wales, instead of paying shipping costs from USA, I'd talk to the member of these forums named "Stomper" for some of these stands.

Hope it helps,
Mansal

[wh014d4394]

yer whats happened to good old stomper not seen him stomping around the forum for a bit

[stuart a.]

thanks everyone for the advice will get them aout of the bags straight away and will just have to keep the open in the display cabinet for the time being
stu

[keifer kahn]

Hi Stuart,
Try and keep sunlight(UV) and light from fluorescent lighting off them.
Both fade cloth.

Try and keep items at 50% humidity.About 65% is where rust starts happening.75% and you are well on the way.Buy a hygrometer(electronics shop) which will tell the level of humidity.Humidity is controllable by dessicators or even "damp rid" type satchels.

if you need to put card on the back,use acid free.Modern white paper will eventually turn your paper items yellow.

[Van]

Hello,
I see you said keep from fluorescent lighting, what kind of light would be best?
Thanks for your info..
Van

[keifer kahn]

yes,fluorescent lighting is bad and will fade both paper and cloth items.

You can buy filters however but unfiltered fluorescent is damaging.

Normal light bulbs are ok,
also you can buy display lighting,similar to the type used in jewellers cases.They usually contain a much lower wattage globe,than a household globe and are similar to a xmas tree lights.
They are run through a transformer instead of mains power.Even though they are very low powered,their illumination comes from the highly reflective housing.

Also to ensure light isnt a factor ,you can purchase archival glass which is tinted and will prevent both uv and fluorescent damage.

Where you source these items are particular to your location.

Generally the lighting systems can be sourced at hardware shops or specialist lighting shops.
Archival Glass you will find generally at picture framers or glass suppliers.

Fluoro filters you normally find at specialist lighting shops.

You may want to contact you local museum to se where they obtain their achival supplies.

[Von Hoth]

no need to buy archival glass.

just got to home depot and buy window replacement. the plexi glass type that has a film backing and is used to block UV light. they have a very slight greenish tint. just make sure you install it facing correctly, one side is made for exposure to the sun/uv light

they come in all sizes down to 15 by 15 inch. this is pobably the same stuff as archival glass but just a better price.

[Sonderkommando]

Hi Stuart,
All good advice...

Definately remove the medals and badges from their packets and paper backing, but as a cheaper alternative to replacing the glass in your display cabinet you could consider draping some cloth over the cabinet and then you can remove it when wishing to display your collection or have a play with "the toys".

Cheers,
Brett

[stuart a.]

a big thanks to everyone for the advice medals are now out of the bags and am going to get a load of stands, as i live in wales humidity isnt really an issue ,the medals are kept away from any sunlight and the lighting in my room are the long lasting low energy bulbs.so im assuming its safe to leave them on the stands.