How do you display your visors?

[WWIIBuff]

Hat stands

I have made hat stands similar to the wood ones Shawn Southern has. Does anyone know if there is a problem if I have these displayed in an enclosed display case?

I am thinking perhaps there might be a problem with fume discharges from the urethan or laquer I used to cover the wood. I did let them dry a long time before using them, but I am not sure if there continues to be any discharge over time.

I also use these for my helmets, so if it is not a problem for the cloth headgear, do you think it might be a concern with the metal helmets?

[Shawn Southern]

Archival quality materials

My humble opinion....I believe that the primary concern is with materials that directly contact farbic items. Certainly I would never use corrugated material as it continues to release volatile components which directly contact the displayed item. The velvet I used on my forms...Well, it probably is comprised of polyester and cotton, I would speculate. I stored headgear on them continuously for 10 years and never noticed any physical degradation to the fabric or insignia. However, I would surmise that velvet is not really an "archival storage" material.

When it comes to display, think about this........Do you live with a woman!? Does she use hairspray? Perfume? Do you use cologne? Do you use air fresheners in your home? Cleaning products? Candles? Smokers in your home? (about 1200 different chemical constituents!) There are a plethora of chemical compounds that are distributed into the air simply from "living" in a house or apartment...all could possibly impact our prized and cherished militaria over years of exposure! IProfessionally, I've done a large number of indoor air quality assessments to examine low concentrations of volatile organic compounds and it never ceases to amaze me how many different compounds there are wafting about in a typical indoor environment.

While I would certainly advocate devoting some serious thought to the material on/in which collectables are stored, and avoiding those which are truly bad actors (like cardboard, etc.)... when it comes to fabric, I rank the lowly insect as the greatest threat! Second would be excessive humidity, even for short periods of time.

Just my humble opinion.

[Ernst-H]

...While I would certainly advocate devoting some serious thought to the material on/in which collectables are stored, and avoiding those which are truly bad actors (like cardboard, etc.)... when it comes to fabric, I rank the lowly insect as the greatest threat! Second would be excessive humidity, even for short periods of time.....

Is cardboard bad? I thought this stuff would be quite safe. Of course certain glues are used to bind the cardboard but as the cardboard I use is relatively "old" I allways thought it not harmfull.

Please advise.

Can I stop any risk by covering the cardboard with cheesecloth or another type of fabric?

[Steiner]

I put them in closed plastic shopping bags. Is that a problem?

[Shawn Southern]

Plastic and cardboard

I put them in closed plastic shopping bags. Is that a problem?

Just "for the record" I am not a professional curator or archivist.....I would presume, however, that most plastic bags - such as those used by dry cleaners - will continue to off-gas very small concentrations of chemical plasticizers. I don't know the exact concentrations, or the potential impact to fabric. To me, the greater problem with plastic coverings is that these serve as a moisture barrier. If relative humidity levels were high (typically above 60% relative humidity, or a moisture source (humidifier, etc.) were in proximity, the plastic will hold moisture in contact with the fabric. Mold (fungus) spores are ubiquitous indoors and outside, no matter how stringent you clean. These microscopic spores will settle out, including onto/into the fabric. Only three things mold require to grow - the right temperature (this criteria always met indoors), food (dust, dirt, wool, etc.), and moisture. To make sure that air can get to the fabric, I think "breathable" fabrics are much better. They'll keep off the dust and prevent moisture retention, and serve as a barrier to insects.

As for cardboard (corrugated), this material is acidic. If you've ever seen a paper item stored in contact with cardboard for any length of time, you've likely seen the darkering and discoloration on the paper item. This is why framers use acid free matte board.

Just my opinions. Others may differ in their opinions, or otherwise "entertain doubts," to borrow a phrase from one distinguished member of this forum. That's one of the things that makes the forum fun!

Best Regards,

Shawn

[John Cooper]

I am suprised SKIP ahas not posted one of his here...

[Ernst-H]

....As for cardboard (corrugated), this material is acidic. If you've ever seen a paper item stored in contact with cardboard for any length of time, you've likely seen the darkering and discoloration on the paper item. This is why framers use acid free matte board. .....

Thanks for the advise. I have used this weekend to cover all my cardboard by a double layer of safe cheesecloth.
No cardboard touching my caps anymore.

[Ernst-H]

And the result as seen with a cap on it.

[Skipper Greenwade]

I am suprised SKIP ahas not posted one of his here...

Just now spotted this thread. My visors and helmets are displayed on stands that I build. They make use of the design for a hat shaper/stretcher that has been around for a hundred years or so. The shaper/stretcher goes inside the hat or helmet and then fits on a stand. I make the stnads in a wide variety of sizes,shapes and wood.

The shaper/stretcher supports the hat by the sweatband as intended and as if in wear. There is no weight on the visor or the top of the hat. It maintains the oval shape of the hat and is micro adjustable.

Here's a shot of a shaper/stretcher in my KM visor hat:

[Skipper Greenwade]

And here's a small selection of the stands:

[Shawn Southern]

Fantastic

Skipper:

Fantastic! I have a couple of the adjustable hat stretchers upon which you've modeled your display stands and have considered building some forms like yours... (but....too much to do, not enough time to do it!) Do you have a template you'd be willing to share for the wooden tops? OR.....do you sell these? If so, please provide details!

Best Regards,

Shawn

[stonemint]

Skipper--that is exactly what I have had in mind--they keep the oval shape of the hat, while keeping weight off the visor, top panel, and edges of the band--further, it eliminates the bowing of the band (which I always have to use thread to counter-act. If you are making more, or selling them, let us know---nice work

[Skipper Greenwade]

I've been selling them like crazy...ask anyone who was at my table at either the MAX or S-O-S. Drop me a PM or e-mail me at skipgreenwade@hotmail.com for details

Thanks,
Skip

[MadJack]

What do think about this one?
http://www.militaria-forum.com/wbb2/...achmentid=2805

[John Cooper]

Skipper--that is exactly what I have had in mind--they keep the oval shape of the hat, while keeping weight off the visor, top panel, and edges of the band--further, it eliminates the bowing of the band (which I always have to use thread to counter-act. If you are making more, or selling them, let us know---nice work

I have 3 and love em!

John