Storage of uniforms

[Vincent S.]

Hello,

I did a quick search on this forum, but didn't quite find the answer that I was looking for. Therefor I'll just ask it here. For the moment I my uniforms are displayed on torso's and mannequins, but I'm consedering the option of storing my winter uniforms, as I want them to last as long as possible, withouth discoloration et cetera. I like to save the uniforms that are still OK, as I already lost the collar of my M1942 greatcoat to moths...A real pitty...

I'd do so in accid-free cardboard boxes. I'll probably make my own boxes, as there are no boxes available in such a format that my uniform pieces,especially the lager ones as parka's and such, can be stored withouth having to be folded. I really don't like folding them, as the cotton of the winter uniforms is quite fragile when it comes to wrinckling.
But since I only have a limited amount of space available, I would probably use a single box for severall items. What would be the best way to divide these items, as I know that it is suggested that the fabrics are not in contact with each other. Can this be done by a simple acid-free cardboard piece, or are other materials or fabrics more suited for this purpose?

To protect the uniforms from our litlle winged friends, called moths, I would simply put some cedar mothballs in the boxes. Would this be sufficant or are other steps required?

I'd like your oppinions on this, as I am no expert when it comes to storage.
Thanks in advance,

Best Regards,
Vincent S.
A fellow collector.

[necker]

I had the same problem. Two times moth's have damaged some of my green uniforms. I have just moved to another house and redecorated my "war room". Therefore I have had made a cabinet for myself for my uniforms.

It contains right now 21 uniform jackets. It can contain a few more. For the price of 750 euro I have let this made. If there are collectors, who want the same cabinet, no problem. Shipment would also be no problem.

Made of aluminium and plexi glass. Ventilation holes but so made, that moths'can't come in it.

So, for the price of almost one jacket, I can store some 20+ jackets and look at it, in stead of putting it in a closet or box.

[necker]

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[WhitePhantom]

AGH! Thats pretty cool! Pretty crazy that you made it yourself but its good to see collectors going all out with conservation.


But i thought you shouldnt put clothing on hangers as it damages the fabric? Thats what I have heard. If I'm wrong please speak up. I'm thinkngi of getting a US Army class A jacket to dress up as a 39th ifnantry soldier (I have medals awarded to a gentleman from the 39th). Havent figured where/how to store it when. Also i jsut got a new job so buying is on hold

[Paul R.]

Vincent, Did you read my pinned articles at the top of the conservation site on silverfish, moths, ect. There was a post that I did awhile ago called stuffing a tunic. I should have pinned that one. Also I have listed conservation companies that carry acid free boxes. Thse companies are open to the general public.
First off! ( I shutter seeing this photos. Sorry necker!)
I would not store any tunic on a hanger, The weight of the tunic and the ridged hanger puts a lot of stress on old frabric. Neck area, shoulders, back of the tunic, and linings. I cover in that article items used to properly take stress off creases, collars, fabric weight.
Please think before you leap into a poor quality storage system.
I would not store anything in a painted display case even if it has a vent system. All paint will out gas orders that ruine things. Before jumping into a system that can save you a few $$ to start with, but distroy thousands of dollars of tunics. Please spend some time to research atricles on storing clothing items research both on the WAF and off the site
Remember humidity is potential big problem as well in collecting items. Hope this helps. Paul

[bobcam1]

Paul................Put.....a.....book.....togethe r

Bob.

[Paul R.]

Hey bobcam1, Thanks for your encouragement. You can always do a copy and paste of my post... (haha). Still thinking about it.

[Vincent S.]

Hello,

Thank's for the replies thusfar.
I'll read the post straigt away, Paul. Must have missed it...

That's why I would store my uniforms in boxes, as the clothing gets damaged from hanging on a cloth hanger.

As for the humidity, I would just put the boxes in a ventilated room with a demoistureizer( if that is how you write it ).

Can normal glues be used when I make myself these boxes, or is it better to staple the cardboard togehter?

Best Regards;
Vincent S.

[Paul R.]

I would suggust purchasing pre made boxes. The boxes are made from a stiff acid free cardboard like material. The wrong type of glue can off gas hurting the garmet inside. Staples will rust in time. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier used to pull moisture out of the air. Also purchase a humidity gauge. Humidity should be between 43-45%. Paul

[necker]

I don't know where you guys come to the knowledge, that putting uniforms on a hanger would be bad for the uniforms. I have some of them on a hanger for 25 years and have (and see) no problem with it. I never saw one uniform that was destroyed while put on a hanger.

Also have seen some WW1 uniforms in collections on hangers: no problem at all with it.

Putting in a box, oke, it's a possibility, but you can't enjoy them (as much as I do in the cabinet).

Best and good luck collecting!

Necker.

[Wijtman01]

I don't know where you guys come to the knowledge, that putting uniforms on a hanger would be bad for the uniforms. I have some of them on a hanger for 25 years and have (and see) no problem with it. I never saw one uniform that was destroyed while put on a hanger.

Also have seen some WW1 uniforms in collections on hangers: no problem at all with it.

Putting in a box, oke, it's a possibility, but you can't enjoy them (as much as I do in the cabinet).

Best and good luck collecting!

Necker.

i agree with all here 50/50
for example i own 6 tunics and they had to be stored for a year in a cabinet of my girl, i putted the jackets on a wooden smooth hanger with bubble paper around the edges, and putted a garbage bag over the tunic, once in the month i got the tunics out and let them breathe
no problem or damage now.

i suggest bustes over mannequin cause the arms and necks of mannequins hurt tunics quicker then a buste.

one last question will a mint tunic that you own now, fall apart in the next 30 years if you keep it on a buste in a dry room with no moths??

cheers mates

[Vincent S.]

Thanks for all the replies thusfar.
I've gained some valuable information concerning the storage of tunics.
But still, I'm not quite sure of wheter I'm going to store my tunics and other uniform parts in boxes, as mentioned above, or that I'm simply going to place them in a glass cabinet, so that I can still enjoy my uniforms. It's a dillemma between the preservation of the uniforms under as ideal conditions as possible and the pleasure of owning them. Still have to make up my mind, eitherways, I 'll post the result in the apropriate section the following weeks.

Best Regards,
Vincent S.