Warbird Information Exchange

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?

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 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.