Cavalry Tunic, Cap, and Trousers

[Johnny R]

I forgot to post this, his service record-

http://www.geocities.com/~orion47/WE..._REINHOLD.html

[Johnny R]

There were some members who did not feel I should have cleaned the tunic and it was "terrible". I have posted this new image from another members thread which serves as an opportunity to show what happens when things are not stabilized and cleaned. The tunic was covered with this stuff on over 20% of the jacket (see the shoulder area in thread #52) and it would have fallen apart in a year or two, the white stains are silverfish or moth slime which eventually will destroy even strong lining canvas and the cloth falls apart. This is something to look for in your tunics and wash out.

[Johnny R]

The last Hurrah

This hat was separated from the lot after the family sold it but I managed to get it back now and restore it back to the way it was with original soutache machine applied. Everything in the lot is back in place now after 2+- years

[dcdefend]

Cavalry Tunic

Fabulous restoration job! I am a believer in restoring items like this rather than letting them rot. My question is, Did you remove the eagle, collar tabs & shoulder boards before washing? If not, did you keep them dry? I would think that the embroidered items would discolor when wet. John

[Johnny R]

Fabulous restoration job! I am a believer in restoring items like this rather than letting them rot. My question is, Did you remove the eagle, collar tabs & shoulder boards before washing? If not, did you keep them dry? I would think that the embroidered items would discolor when wet. John

Hi no I did not, the trick is not letting anything soak a long time. The insignia and cardboard/buckram will fall apart if it is in water too long. After it is taken out of the water the insignia needs to be gently pressed flat with a towel so it will dry in the original shape. I will post all the stuff together next weekend if I have time.

[Will Brown]

A pleasure to read this excellent thread, thanks for posting it.