how to storage/protect olld WW2 AMMO collection

[antidote1985]

i have a lot of ww2 ammo loose or in box and i cant figure how to keep them in good shape for long term collection

i dont want to shoot them its only for display , but how to prevent the ammo to have some GREEN (Verdigris)? ? ? ? on them,


do i have to put some stuff on them and Then wipe them ,like

oil?

grease ?

 

[Steve1987]

I would just leave them as is.

I have researched storage solutions for almost every type of vintage collectible and the overwhelming correct thing to do in almost every case is to keep stuff stored in a cool dry place.

The more you clean, the more you wear stuff down. Guns need to be oiled but more importantly stored properly.

There is a lot of collectors who messed around with stuff like Pickards (a leather treatment) only to find out later it caused more long term damage than the superficial short term good looks.

I suggest also checking out this article I posted that is now pinned:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1177322-Caring-for-Your-World-War-II-Memorabilia

Regards,
-Steve

 

[bp2626]

^

I have a large collection of holsters, ammunition pouches, scabbards, frogs, et al and I can tell you that Pecard Antique Leather Dressing is the real deal. You should absolutely be applying it to your valuable leathers and there are no negative consequences to doing so.

Ammunition should be stored in a waterproof container with desiccant packs and in a cool place. For display purposes beeswax may prevent oxidation.

 

[Steve1987]

I have a large collection of holsters, ammunition pouches, scabbards, frogs, et al and I can tell you that Pecard Antique Leather Dressing is the real deal. You should absolutely be applying it to your valuable leathers and there are no negative consequences to doing so.

Actually, applying Pecard's is causing more damage to your leather items than good. That's why the Smithsonian museum stopped using (despite Pecard's claims) and this topic has been discussed in depth on various forums since the initial controversy years ago. Pecard's has a rather successful marketing campaign and it seems few people are actually researching the product.

From a moderator on USMF forum;

"Since this controversy broke in Military Trader a few issues ago, I have talked to a number of friends and acquaintances who are currently employed in the museum field as curators, conservators, and registrars. I asked them all one question: "would you recommend using Pecards or any other similar leather treatment on artifacts?" Their first response was always laughter, followed by horror stories about items in the museum collection that are a mess and require constant attention due to what one curator called "Pecard bloom", a white waxy substance that rises to the surface of the leather like oil still leaking from the USS Arizona. Items so treated in the past can never be put in displays where they will come in contact with other artifacts (especially cloth) because they will stain the other items. They are also a constant source of irritation as over time they stain, discolor, and contaminate whatever display material or storage system they are in contact with."

Full thread which is worth reading;
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/24966-preserving-leather/

You can also search the other forums for many more in depth discussions of Pecard's. If you want to continue using Pecard's on your collection that's fine but other members should do their own research before degrading their leather with this superficial product.

Regards,
-Steve

 

[koldt]

Steve, I've heard of some of the problems with Pecards. Yes, I used it in the past, but now don't.

Any thoughts on just Vaseline? Or some of the saddle soaps? I've felt some horse tack that felt very supple.

I've picked up some very brittle memorabilia, and always concerned about it further cracking at the slightest movement. We have a dry clime, but hate further damage at the slightest movement.

BTW, thanks for posting that previous thread. I missed it before.

I've talked with a few curators, and leather is a bane to them all.

 

[bp2626]

Actually, applying Pecard's is causing more damage to your leather items than good. That's why the Smithsonian museum stopped using (despite Pecard's claims) and this topic has been discussed in depth on various forums since the initial controversy years ago. Pecard's has a rather successful marketing campaign and it seems few people are actually researching the product.

From a moderator on USMF forum;

"Since this controversy broke in Military Trader a few issues ago, I have talked to a number of friends and acquaintances who are currently employed in the museum field as curators, conservators, and registrars. I asked them all one question: "would you recommend using Pecards or any other similar leather treatment on artifacts?" Their first response was always laughter, followed by horror stories about items in the museum collection that are a mess and require constant attention due to what one curator called "Pecard bloom", a white waxy substance that rises to the surface of the leather like oil still leaking from the USS Arizona. Items so treated in the past can never be put in displays where they will come in contact with other artifacts (especially cloth) because they will stain the other items. They are also a constant source of irritation as over time they stain, discolor, and contaminate whatever display material or storage system they are in contact with."

Full thread which is worth reading;
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/24966-preserving-leather/

You can also search the other forums for many more in depth discussions of Pecard's. If you want to continue using Pecard's on your collection that's fine but other members should do their own research before degrading their leather with this superficial product.

Regards,
-Steve

The bloom occurs in all leathers that have been treated and/or oiled during construction. Pecard's can expedite the process as it causes the older treatment to raise to the surface, displacing it. You simply wipe it off and apply more Pecards. It needs to be applied intelligently and when necessary. I personally live in a very humid place (rain forest).

Pecards is a similar formula to the British Museum leather dressing which was formulated by them for use on their leather artifacts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Museum_leather_dressing

Edit: I agree, everyone should choose for themselves.