B4 Flight Bag Art- show us the cool stuff!

[Warbird Kid]

When my dad pulled my uncle's flight jacket out of the "archives" for the flight jacket thread, we remembered we had a real nice B4 Fight Bag from my grandfather, Peter J. Soltis from the 5th AF, 90th BG, 320th SQ. So... here it is! Anyone else have one to show off?

[The Inspector]

Chris,
That is a really cool piece of memorabilia, do you plan to take it to a conservator so it doesn't become a tattered pile of greenish dust?

[Warbird Kid]

Chris,
That is a really cool piece of memorabilia, do you plan to take it to a conservator so it doesn't become a tattered pile of greenish dust?

What would a conservator be able to do for this piece?

[Jerry O'Neill]

Chris,
That is a really cool piece of memorabilia, do you plan to take it to a conservator so it doesn't become a tattered pile of greenish dust?

That's very nice Chris. I love it! Unless the leather is dry rotted, you shouldn't have to do too much to conserve it. You can treat the leather to keep it supple, but it looks like it's in great shape. I wouldn't do a thing to it except keep it out of a hot/freezing attic or a damp basement. Those two extremes will cause the most damage to leather.
Jerry

[The Inspector]

Let's start with, it's 70 year old cotton. I'd wave it under a conservators nose just to get a pro's opinion of condition and possible issues that could pop up.

[Warbird Kid]

Chris,
That is a really cool piece of memorabilia, do you plan to take it to a conservator so it doesn't become a tattered pile of greenish dust?

That's very nice Chris. I love it! Unless the leather is dry rotted, you shouldn't have to do too much to conserve it. You can treat the leather to keep it supple, but it looks like it's in great shape. I wouldn't do a thing to it except keep it out of a hot/freezing attic or a damp basement. Those two extremes will cause the most damage to leather.
Jerry

I'd agree with you there! Were very careful with any artifacts such as this piece. And considering it's a family heirloom its all the more important to us. Glad you enjoyed the pictures. The ultimate goal is to display it in a hermitically controlled case with my grandfather's other artifacts when the time comes.

And yes I do my research. I am a curator you know. http://www.conservation-us.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=634

[Warbird Kid]

Follow up: I contacted a professional conservator at the Textile Conservation Workshop in South Salem, NY. She had this to say,

I would recommend three things.

1) acid free packing material that can be put in objects and around
them so that they can retain their shape and be protected from dust,
etc.

2) a hand-held vacuum with variable sized nozzles and suction

3) dry surface cleaning sponges often seen at the front counters of
Bed, Bath and Beyond

For your piece in particular, I would recommend very carefully
vacuuming away the surface dust. AVOID any of the painted sections.
The vacuuming can be followed by gently wiping with the dry sponge
across the surface of the cloth. Again, AVOID the paint. Do not
continue with the sponge if it abrades away the fabric of the bag,
only continue if dirt seems to be able to be removed.

When these two steps have been completed, stuff the bag with archival
materials and place it in a shallow acid free container. Limit
handling, light, dirt accumulations, etc. --

Hope this gives you a good beginning. I have recommended the steps as
your WWII bag looks strong and in good condition with no/minimal
surface coatings that would be removed.

So I'm not too off from these steps on this bag, let alone all the artifacts from the museum.

[The Inspector]

'It's always good to seek the advice of a professional' just like the guy talking to the hooker it confirms your initial thoughts. That really is a great piece of history and family too!