Storing a Game Used Uniform

[MVSNYC]

I recently acquired a full game used uniform (jersey & pants). It's modern, so not old heavy wool flannel. It's valuable, so I do want to care for it and store it properly. Can anyone offer any advice on how to properly store it? I don't plan on displaying it, rather I'd like to keep it safely stored away, but may pull it out every so often to look at (or share with guests).

So, do I put it in a large sealed bag (or oversized ziploc), then put in a box (like those substantial boxes women keep wedding dresses in)?

Is there any moisture precautions to take, like those dry-packets used in safes, etc?

Thanks!

[Jim65]

Invest in a acid free garment bag, one that breathes so it doesn't trap moisture inside and promote mold or mildew.

[RedsFan1941]

probably want to wait 3 months to see if you decide to keep it.

[MVSNYC]

Funny Ronnie. This one is a keeper.


Thanks James. Then it would just hang, or go into a box?

[conor912]

Yeah, I would avoid an airtight bag....fabric needs to breath.

[ajenks3378]

Originally Posted by Jim65

Invest in a acid free garment bag, one that breathes so it doesn't trap moisture inside and promote mold or mildew.

Agree with this...so who is it ...who did you buy?

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by MVSNYC

Funny Ronnie. This one is a keeper.


Thanks James. Then it would just hang, or go into a box?

I hang mine on acid free padded hangers. Never use wood, the acid in the wood will eventually react with the jersey. If you store in a box, use acid free tissue to line the folds.

[Runscott]

If it's modern, this is no big deal - fold it up and put it in a drawer. That's easy for me to say, as I have a 'collectibles' drawer and one is 'fabric items only', but if you have ever had clothing moths in your home and flannel uniforms to worry about, you don't worry much about modern uniforms.

I had so many flannels at one time that when clothing moths showed up and I couldn't get rid of the moths, I sold my entire uniform collection. Just too much to worry about.

[MVSNYC]

Thanks guys...I'll look on Amazon, my preference then would be an acid free breathable bag, that I can put in a drawer, rather than hang, but I'll investigate...much appreciated.

It's a 2014 (final season) Game Used Derek Jeter Home Uniform that was just in Goldin. Photo matched, and has great use. Was worn for the last home subway series vs. the Mets. Steiner/MLB/SIA LOA's & stickers. It's a keeper for me.

[oldjudge]

Hi Mike! Here is a link to some good archival materials. Look at the textile storage area. That should do ya:



https://www.universityproducts.com/a...e-conservation

[MVSNYC]

Jay- this is great, I'll probably get the polypropylene box. Debating if I also want it in a breathable bag first (may be overkill, though).

Thanks everyone.

[conor912]

Sorry to derail here, and this is in no way meant to be snarky and is a completely genuine question, but how do they “photo match” to a Jersey that looks exactly like every jersey he wore for his entire career? I suppose I could see if there was a stain or something identifiable, but all I see is a crisp white Yankees Jersey.

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by conor912

Sorry to derail here, and this is in no way meant to be snarky and is a completely genuine question, but how do they “photo match” to a Jersey that looks exactly like every jersey he wore for his entire career? I suppose I could see if there was a stain or something identifiable, but all I see is a crisp white Yankees Jersey.

You can photo match by how the pinstripes line up with logos, numbers, seams, etc. Every jersey will be different.

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by Jim65

You can photo match by how the pinstripes line up with logos, numbers, seams, etc. Every jersey will be different.

Yes. A benefit of collecting jerseys from a team that wears pinstripes.

[MVSNYC]

Yes, no two (pinstripe) jerseys are identical. Like fingerprints. As mentioned above, the way the pinstripes hit logos, numbers, etc, will be unique to each jersey.

[rlevy]

Great jersey and photo-match, that is definitely one to hang on to. Being able to match both front and back is an added bonus. Having the pinstripes makes this much easier. Much more difficult with the jerseys I collect (Dodgers).

I have an older Dodger flannel jersey that was photo-matched by comparing the way the team name was sewn on the front of the jersey. It is difficult to do that with modern jerseys since they are sewn identically by machine. But on older flannel jerseys, the logos were placed on the jersey and fed thru the sewing machine by hand, so the seams and placement of the team name are always different. They were able to get high resolution photos and actually photo-match the stitches.

Rick

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by rlevy

They were able to get high resolution photos and actually photo-match the stitches.

Getting photos of older jerseys, and not even that old really, can be the major challenge in photomatching.

[rlevy]

Originally Posted by icollectDCsports

Getting photos of older jerseys, and not even that old really, can be the major challenge in photomatching.

The photos have to be fairly close-up, and very clear with good lighting, in order to match the stitches. They were able to match it to 3 games. I have another flannel that couldn't be matched.

Rick

[MVSNYC]

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. Very helpful. I'll most likely get one of the archival boxes from the site that Jay provided a link to.

My only other thought/question is whether or not it should go into a bag prior (if so, is it breathable, or more like a large zip loc, etc)?

Thanks again.

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by MVSNYC

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. Very helpful. I'll most likely get one of the archival boxes from the site that Jay provided a link to.

My only other thought/question is whether or not it should go into a bag prior (if so, is it breathable, or more like a large zip loc, etc)?

Thanks again.

Never use ZipLock bags, drycleaner bags, etc. Archival Acid-Free Muslin garment bags are kind of expensive but worth it.

[MVSNYC]

Got it, thanks! I have no problem spending the money to properly store the uniform. I’ll look into a bag like that (then a box, like Jay recommended).

Thanks guys, I’ll post some pics of what I ultimately get.

[MVSNYC]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice, especially Jim65 (who fielded a few PM's from me).

After doing much research, and looking at a variety of options, I had a brainstorm...call the HOF! Several years ago I had the great honor of having a piece of art that my dad created unanimously selected to become part of the HOF's art collection (donations to the Hall have to be voted on by a committee). During that process I spoke with the Official Librarian of the Hall several times. Well, it dawned on me to call him and ask what THEY use to safely archive their uniforms. He was very generous with his info, and I immediately ordered exactly what they use!

https://www.gaylord.com/Preservation...Box/p/HYB02285

[RedsFan1941]

any idea where you will store the box? closet? dresser? if a dresser, a drawer at the top or bottom? maybe go with a top drawer in case there’s a flood?

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by RedsFan1941

any idea where you will store the box? closet? dresser? if a dresser, a drawer at the top or bottom? maybe go with a top drawer in case there’s a flood?

Bedrooms are usually the best climate controlled rooms. My bedroom is a steady 70-72° year round.

[Jersey City Giants]

I mainly collect hockey jerseys but do have some baseball. I use cedar chests. Been using them for 35 years and no issues.