Hi.
Could Anybody Tell Me If It Is Ok To Keep An Afrikakorps Helmet In A Plastic
Bag. Thanks For any Help.
Steve Owens.
Could Anybody Tell Me If It Is Ok To Keep An Afrikakorps Helmet In A Plastic
Bag. Thanks For any Help.
Steve Owens.
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Hi Steve,
I think the best way to conserve an Afrikakorps sun helmet would be to store it in a cool. dry and dark environment.
Also, temperature fluctuations should be avoided; as this may create problems.
Especially in the North East of England. where the temperature can be 8 through the day and -5 tonight!
Best wishes,
John.
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I agree. One of the problems with a plastic bag is it doesn't "breathe" and you can create a micro-climate....in other words, if it's humid, the plastic can trap the moisture. The other issue with plastic is if it's not archival it can off gas in which the plastic itself releases fumes which can harm the helmet over time.
If you're worried about keeping the helmet clean you can store it in an acid free (archival) box or even a well washed undyed cotton bag. You can find a cheap white cotton bag and run it throug the wash several times (without detergent) to help wash away anything that might be left over from the manufacturing process.
The best things you can do: keep it out of direct sunlight and try to keep it in a stable environment. A little humidity won't hurt it, too much humidity can cause any mold spores that might be floating around to become active on the helmet. On the opposite end, if the environment is too dry it can cause any leather on it to dry out and crack. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about trying to keep it within a 3 percent humidity (like 40% humidty plus or minus 3%) but try to keep it from swings like a low of 25% to a high of 75%. If you can keep it around 40% to 65% you should be ok, A few points above or below (or even a spike for a short time) won't destroy it.....it's not good for it, but it won't cause it to burst into flames or anything. Also, try to protect it from radical swings. A swing from 30% to 60% over several days or even weeks isn't too bad, the materials can generally adjust without causing damage. A swing from 30% to 60% in a couple of hours though can be pretty harsh on it.Comment
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Thanks For All The Help.
Steve.Comment
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