display cases help

[Jay V.]

Hi Guys
Need some expert help.I'm thinking of having some wood display cases made and was wondering what the best wood,stain and or varnish to use without having problems with my badges and cloth items.Also what would be the safest material to line the case with.Thanks in advAnce jay

[Ammersee]

I have quite a few display cases with Native American artifacts in them mostly.
I can give you a few tips.

If possible, get all your frames made at the same place at the same time. They will match. I've needed more frames at times and my previous supplier had quit making them or no longer had the same wood. If you are going custom and having them made, you could even have them mill extra wood and save it for assembly later. This would guarantee a match.

There are lots and lots of people making beautiful frames and you would probably save money by buying them already made up.

Any good hardwood will make a nice frame. It's hard to beat good old American walnut. Oak, cherry, or any of the hundreds of exotic imported hardwoods are also nice.

As to the interior, this is a new field for me. Indian arrowheads don't need any special interior but I'm finding that cloth and metal war relics are another story. Do a search here on the forum for "gassing out". This refers to the breakdown of material that you shouldn't use that may harm artifacts. I'm sure the experts here know the good material to use.

Here's a seller of frames in MO. He has the Amish in Ohio assemble them for him. Superior in every way. Very large sizes available. Beautiful wood and finish and the corners have no gaps. Not cheap, but very classy. Ammersee

Forrest Case Co.
Forrest and Rosie Boggs
166 Walnut Grove Rd.
Eldon, MO 65026
573-365-9724

[Jay V.]

Thanks very much for the advise!!

[Paul R.]

Jay V. If you plan on keep military items in these wood frames it's not a good idea. The wood frames are not archival save to store cloth, paper, photographs, or medals. The frame wood, staining, varnish will out gas on to your military items. Even the inexpensive frame backings will damage items in the long run. Aluminium frames,or acrylic frames, or acid free boxes are the best. If you can search this forum threads on some ideas in storage. For what you would spend on these hand crafted wood frames. It would be best to purchase a aluminum frame, or an acrylic. These frames will not out gas on to your items, BUT if you go the route of alum,or acrylic the lining is usually of poor plastic material. You may want to buy the frame with out a backing and put your in. Some past threads have companies that sell these acid free items. Paul

[Stahlhelm]

Jay V. If you plan on keep military items in these wood frames it's not a good idea. The wood frames are not archival save to store cloth, paper, photographs, or medals. The frame wood, staining, varnish will out gas on to your military items. Even the inexpensive frame backings will damage items in the long run. Aluminium frames,or acrylic frames, or acid free boxes are the best. If you can search this forum threads on some ideas in storage. For what you would spend on these hand crafted wood frames. It would be best to purchase a aluminum frame, or an acrylic. These frames will not out gas on to your items, BUT if you go the route of alum,or acrylic the lining is usually of poor plastic material. You may want to buy the frame with out a backing and put your in. Some past threads have companies that sell these acid free items. Paul

As much as I do thoroughly believe you, Paul, I must, however, post a few screaming smilies, everytime I think of all this stuff.



Okay, now that I've gotten that out of my system for a few minutes, thanks again for the great information that we all need to know--no matter how painful and frustrating it always is.

Chris

P.S. I think we should drop some leaflets with all this archival info over the Kentucky Exposition Center, during the next Show of Shows. That might be a very effective and nostalgic way to finally get the word out to all.

[Seiler]

The best lining material is 100% PURE COTTON fine pile velvet...or PURE SILK.
Neutral color.
Seiler

[Paul R.]

Yes Chris, I hate to be the bearer of bad news . My choice, and many museums is fleece. Fleece is inert and will not attract moisture, moths, silver fish. The best color is white, or bone color. Some off brands of fleece made in China loose coloring within a short time. US made fleece is choice if you can find it. Maybe some day.. a conservation work shop some where?? Paul

[bobcam1]

I'd attend a conservation workshop held by you, Paul.....Perhaps you should consider hosting one, at one of the big shows? You might also arrange sales of materials by the archival companies, as well.....I know I'D benefit greatly by such a seminar.

Cheers,
Bob.

[Jay V.]

Hi Paul
Do you have an example of a aluminum display case for reference.Thanks Jay

[Paul R.]

Jay The company that has the most available stock is a company is called www.aluminumdisplaycase.com. There are a few other companies that pruduce them. However most other companies carry only a limited supply. Remember most of these cases have an inexpensive case lining. You might want to opt out of the backing, or simply replace it. The liners are a plastic base material that will out gas. REMEMBER NOT ALL OF THERE PRODUCTS ARE ARCHIVAL SAFE. I AM ONLY REFERECING THE ALUM. DISPLAY CASES. THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT FROM ME. Paul