Anyone have any experience with or thoughts on displaying leather and metal equipment on cloth uniforms? My fear is that as the material, especially the metal, deteriorates over time, it may rub off on the uniform. Especially belts and such, if the metal begins to blue it seems that it may stain the uniform. Anyone know if this could happen?
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Originally posted by RelicHunter View Post
Hi
It all depends in my opinion, on what state the items are in to begin with. If a buckle has rust for an example and it will be near uniform parts it will be a bad idea. Also if the leather is nice and strong and not moist from leather grease etc. no problem imo to use it on a display.
Also the surroundings has something to say, if the humidity is high in the room etc.
If some of the gear is heavy it also is a good idea to support it with extra straps or a cord etc.
But if you are putting up a mannequin I would say go for it and have a look from time to time and see if there are beginning damages, and if so take it down.
Just my thoughts
All the best
Lars
for inspiration: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=111467 -
Yes, Lars is correct; one must consider many this on dressing a mannequin. In my world of conservation we do not always have choices on (lets say canteens, or buckles) sometimes we have to use a buckle that was rusty on the back side. Conservationist would us a protective acid free cardboard to cover the rusted area. Caution should be used with leather, making sure that leather has not been greased, or oiled that would cause a bleeding off effect on fabric.
Yes, Humidity is a huge issue. Like I have said in many of my past threads humidity should be in check 24/7/365. 43-45% year round.
Other points to consider over the long haul of displaying a tunic on a mannequin are sunlight florescent lighting indoor environment air. Overtime these take a toll on displays.
Another point to consider is the proper way of displaying a tunic on a one size fits all mannequins.
First the overall condition on the tunic. Most tunics were worn condition were such that tunic seams may not be of full tightness; lining in side arms may be compromised. Now we have a ridged built factory mannequin with molded arms and legs. It has the one size fits all approach let’s say that mannequin we bought is a small size (youth size) and you have a large tunic that you want to put on a the small mannequin frame (one size fits all) Now you are stressing the tunic (weird comparison here think of a small child 3 yrs old wearing a x-large adult size coat). If the mannequin doesn’t have extra padding it will look like crap. I hear arguments on how people see in clothing stores mannequins dress is different size clothing. That true, but stores rotate styles and designs on fashion mannequins. We collectors however keep that tunic on a mannequin forever (or all most)
Here’s a site that builds a custom mannequin. Yes they are expensive. I added this for ideals only http://www.museumfigures.com/
I’m not saying that all of us should by the mannequin from them, but look at the softer none ridged forms. We all can make these ourselves. It’s not hard at all.Comment
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