How To Store And Display Awards.

[CtahhR]

Very nice!

I'm sure I've seen the book in the first picture somewhere. Difficult to put it down long enough to photograph!

[travel-north]

That is a good and safe way for storage. But there is one big minus. We buy stuff to look at it, and you can't see very well through 3 layers of plastic...

[progress]

This problem about wallets for medals will become paranoia if we will continue to discuss about it. Buy polypropylene wallets so your orders/medals will rest in peace ( sorry, my awards will never die!! ) . Polypropylene is utilized for food containers , plastic cups ( we call them plastic cups but it is polypropylene), etc.
We have to remember that all materials used to preserve foods are carefully tested to understand if they can release acids, gas etc.
I read in another thread strange opinions ( I think these are wrong but I respect them). I read about an Australian expert's opinions ( I read he works for a museum). He thinks these wallets have a 'short life'. The only way to destroy them is to expose them to high temperature. I think he should have a basic knowledge about Chemistry to preserve museal items so his assertions appear very strange to me. Enjoy your items, don't put them under 3 layers of plastic. travel-north is right...

[CtahhR]

Everything is finite.

[Pobeda45]

You guys bring up very good points. I think there's a natural tradeoff and a personal choice to be made, protection vs visibility/access. I am more of the paranoid variety so I choose the safe path vs instant gratification. Btw PVC damage WILL occur over time--and it will affect brass (and any alloy of copper) first. The silver awards and medals will last in the plastic sleeves and wallets for several years before greenish film forms and eventually causes permanent damage.

I am going to investigate having non-PVC medal sleeves manufactured down the line. I think there's a small but loyal market for this, plus I can use them myself.

George

[travel-north]

I found interesting tests that are supposed to help identify the type of plastic. Sergei, if you still have any of the bad pouches left, try them

How to Identify Different Types of Plastics

[GabrielMk3]

Originally Posted by travel-north

I found interesting tests that are supposed to help identify the type of plastic. Sergei, if you still have any of the bad pouches left, try them

How to Identify Different Types of Plastics

Just be careful with the smell/burning-test, or you won't be able to identify another fake award ever again.

[progress]

Travel-north had a good idea but there is an easy method to check your beloved wallets. Try to see if you find PP 05 on your wallets. If you do not see that code do not be "jailed" in your paranoia.
Take your wallet and place it in water. You have to see if it floats or sinks.
It floats ====> polyethilene or polypropylene
it sinks rapidly ====> PVC or other materials
it sinks slowly ====> probably nylon

You have not to be a chemist to understand how this test works. Solution: compare water density with pvc and polypropylene density.

[CtahhR]

Take the award out before testing if it floats or sinks, as the weight of the award will upset your results!

[Tommy]

I just spent the last 2 hours looking at this thread.

I think it's gonna be years untill i have anything worth posting on here

I now officially need an Order of Glory 3rd and an Order of the Red Banner too! haha

Tommy