How do you store your award documents?

[Brian R]

Since I started collecting award documents I have always kept them in comic book sleeves. They are kept nice and flat and stack up nicely in the "made for comics" cardboard box. However, I can only keep my A5 documents this way and have to keep my A4 docs separate - even if they belong to the same man. I have been contemplated moving all my docs to acid free plastic sleeves to be placed in a three ring binder. This way I can keep them all together , with each soldier lot separated by dividers. I like this set up, but one thing I have found is that storing the docs in the comic sleeves and box keeps everything a little safer from bending etc.

What do you guys think? How do you have your docs stored? I have included three pictures below which sort of give you an idea of my dilemma - one in a comic book sleeve, one in a binder sleeve, and one in a comic book sleeve placed in a binder sleeve. Any an all opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Brian

[Brian R]

binder sleeve...

[Brian R]

sleeve within a sleeve (to keep a wrinkled or delicate document flat)...

[Akira Takiguchi]

Dear Brian, I do it almost the same way as you. Possible difference is that I fix a document on a paper with photo corners. May not be the best way but it works. I do it the same with (originally loose) photos. A lot of work, but gives you a lot more viewing pleasure.

<img src="http://www.history.jp/images/storage.jpg">

[don]

Maybe you guys can help me out. I use the binder with acid free sleeves.
I would like to use black paper as a back ground. Will the black paper hurt the document in time?
Thanks
don

[Kurt Monsen]

Try this...+ a tip to all collectors!

If you go to your local photo shop, they will help you find acid free papers in any color and sizes you want. You can also buy this stuff from internet. I only know of a Norwegian dealer specializing in this kind of storage items, so I cannot provide any url. I have tried a special repair tape used by conservators (British Museum) on very old documents. When I tried to fix a small tear in a document, this became invicible, so did the tape! So, todays hot tip on fixing tears and rips on docs and photos is: LINECO DOCUMENT REPAIR TAPE!
Regarding the use of 4 ring binders etc. What do you guys do with medals, and personal items that does not fit? It has always irritated me to have the medals in one place, docs another, and perhaps a sidecap in a third place. Advice anyone?

[Brian R]

Akira-

Your technique of storing your docs in sleeves with photo corners is very impressive. It makes me want to do the same with my own docs. Thanks so much for sharing.

Brian

[don]

I went and got some acid free black paper. I also got some of those corners
And put them on a few documents. They all look great and nothing moves around.
Thanks
don