Stay tuned for some grand adventures. Older uniforms will also have older threads that may come apart in a modern washer. Soldiers often had food and tobacco in their pockets. My cleaners are GREAT!!! I've never tried it though Hey Nack, I tell my cleaner to AVOID certain areas on certain uniforms so they will work around them. Warm water requires expending gas or electric energy you dont need to use, and warm water sheds microfibers from laundry. Warm water requires expending gas or electric energy you dont need to use, and warm water sheds microfibers from laundry. Some online retail stores such as Amazon.com, eBay or eBay in Germany, Etsy, Alibaba.com, Craigslist Worldwide, Facebook, and other notable online retail sites could provide wonderful opportunities for the owners of such military uniforms to sell them online. What is a POG Military? Jonathan Gawnes Finding Your Fathers War (Casemate) also has material on uniforms. When dealing with fragile fabrics, it is important to remember you should not do anything you cant undo. dailyinfo[18]=' Nurse Hellen ILINE Russian Army who died 18/02/1920 MIKRA BRITISH CEMETERY, KALAMARIA Greece ' My husbands most prized military heirlooms relate to his grandfathers service in World War II. Q: Which preserving military uniform guidebooks do you recommend? dailyinfo[21]=' L/32287 Driver John Frampton GAZE "O" Bty. The policy was issued by the Department of Defense in 2008 to address uniforms that need to be reutilized and which ones to destroy. Learn about the methods and how to give sports jerseys new life again. FS: Field Leathers Racer Jacket Size 38, RRL Limited Edition Western Type 2 Jacket. // Stop Define Variables for days of the month My question is whether dry-cleaning is likely to do any harm to such old fabric? You can browse through our list of the thoroughly hand-picked series of gear that is military-complaint. WebMILITARY UNIFORMS PRESERVED. But what some people may not be aware of is the purpose , A tactical flashlight comes in handy for doing missions or outdoor activities in the dark. The most important guideline: Protect your heirloom textiles from sunlight, moisture and insects. Use silver polish when unable to determine the metal because silver is the softest and its polish will not harm other metals. The Army green uniform came in the late 1950s but was recently replaced by a dark blue uniform. Unit or division insignia have been issued since World War I and are worn on the left sleeve. If done correctly, they will all fit in your locker and stay wrinkle free. One "trick of the trade" a dry cleaner taught me was to take the uniform between the thumb and forefinger of both hands, and vigorously rub the material (patches, etc.) The Best Tactical Boots for Flat Feet (Military Use and Hiking), The Best Womens Tactical Boots for Work and Leisure, How to Break in Combat Boots: Know The Steps Well (Best Tips), The Best Small Tactical Backpacks (Compact and lightweight), The Best Tactical Fanny Packs for Any Mission, The Best Tactical Flashlights Under $50 (Most Affordable), The Best Red Lens Headlamps for Hunting, Fishing & Other Uses, The Best Budget Tactical Flashlights to Save Your Money, The Best Tactical Binoculars for Hunting, Surveillance And More. A: For a long time, the Army had one uniform in dark blue for all duty. There are also non profit organizations that store uniforms as part of a collection that will then be exhibited in the future, like VFW or the Veterans of Foreign Wars. ). The Great War Forum Limited (Although for that WWII look a fat roll with a knot up to 2" above the jumper neckline looks cool). Remove all of these from the clothing to clean them. Those that desire a more official display can look up a military precedence chart or a display chart for guidance. My purpose in this project is to give honest reviews on the gear utilized and tested over time. Keep reading this article to generate ideas on what to do with old military uniforms. Rank for enlisted men was indicated by a chevron; officers ranks by bars, leaves or eagles. Make sure to do the vacuuming both before and after the treatment. Javascript is not enabled on your browser. dailyinfo[6]=' Lieutenant Thomas McKenny HUGHES Twice Mentioned in Despatches 53rd Sqdn. CSM John Basil Hill DCM Queens Westminster Rifles You can also turn these used uniforms into functional items like bags and wallets or even revamp them to wearable pieces of clothing. Therefore, this will be a temporary display for just a few months. When placing the beret on their head, service members must make sure the flash (Army emblem) is positioned over their left eye and the excess material should be draped to the right. Talk to an expert about the uniform before attempting to clean anything at home. Spark new family history conversations and inspire yourself to learn more about their wartime experiences. Went from being a decent to 1/2-baked example of the type. I would have thought moths would eat the cotton given half a chance, though I guess not if they're eating the sweat rather than the fibres. Of course, if nothing above appeals to you, we cannot stop you from disposing of old military uniforms by throwing them away. Donate I highly discourage you from throwing away your uniform because you cannot recycle the military uniform. Wrapping in acid-free tissue paper would help. Some take even worn-out ones so that they can rip and utilize them during simulations and drills. A number of organizations use chest freezers dedicated to the purpose. You can pad a hanger with polyester batting and wrap it in unbleached, washed muslin to create a custom fit. Do a series with the clothes inside out. Do you have vintage and antique doilies that have stains and rips? dailyinfo[23]=' 9656 Private Isaac COOPER "A" Coy. We are leaving to the Expo in CHINA, so it's time to pack the bags to bring a little bit of La Rioja and our house on the other side of the world. In the coming months, we will feature some of the uniforms that we have had the opportunity to restore and preserve, and the men that wore them, in a series titled Real Heros Spotlight. These larvae do not eat wool itself, but rather the proteins on the wool from, sweat in particular, so clean wool is unattractive to pests like moths. Staff Sergeant Nicole Pompei went viral after her business of repurposing the uniforms into military wreaths boomed last December 2020. Experts often stitch the uniforms to the backing instead of using pins or tape that could degrade and stain or otherwise damage the material. Learn what types of clothing and fabric should be handled by a pro. However, most of the time, a day or so's airing out in the yard together with some liberal blasts of Fabreze seems to do it for me. What Is 1430 Military Time? And to ensure that it lays flat and wont have any creases, purchase the correct size of the shadow box. Nice to see you here on the lounge! dailyinfo[26]=' Chaplain 4th Class The Rev. If the uniform is modern, clean it as its care instructions dictate, and then store the uniform as carefully as you would a vintage one. You can put some mothballs in the bag in the freezer and in the thaw cycle too. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) who died 14/02/1916 YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Belgium ' JavaScript is disabled. Freezing is not effective unless you can achieve the low temps for long durations. [email protected], Address: 110 De Anza Blvd. You are using an out of date browser. Avoid exposing medals to high-intensity lights or heat. Powered by Invision Community, Author of 'Deborah and the War of the Tanks' - an account of D & E Battalions of the Tank Corps at the 3rd Battle of Ypres & Cambrai. The napathalene will do the trick. Follow their recommendations for the best outcome. (Answered), What Percentage of Military Marriages End in Divorce? http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/INSECT/05599.html. The things that kill old uniforms: Sunlight, humidity, heat, vermin. by Dry Clean City on July 28, 2013. WebFrom band to cheerleading uniforms, military or first responders, our platinum cleaning process ensures that we can safely clean decorated uniforms and garments. Even washing the flag is a no-no. After the big day, brides usually have to decide what to do with their wedding gowns. With the Fourth of July approaching, you may be tempted to find the flag Grandpa gave you and run it up the pole. But Ike jackets from World War II and olive drab coats from World War I were worn home. For sure, donating your military uniform has to top the list as its the safest way to get rid of them. var mydate=new Date() By following a few tips, you can ensure that your uniform will last as long as possible. Lay medals on polyester batting covered with unbleached cotton or linen that youve washed and rinsed to remove harmful chemicals. The best womens tactical boots shouldnt only offer protection but also extreme comfort , Every soldier in combat needs a pair of boots. "Wing" styles simply exagerate this to the point where sometimes half the brim is parallel with the deck. Hand Washing is ok for all cotton / light gabardine uniforms , for all wool dry clean only. dailyinfo[30]=' B/469 Worker Charles BARLOW Australian Munition Worker who died 30/01/1918 NORTH SHEEN CEMETERY United Kingdom ' Other than that, I'd pretty much be willing to get any uniform cleaned. In desert areas, use unbleached cotton instead of tissue paper; in semitropical and tropical climes, you need to take extra care to keep insects away. Washing in cold water prevents this. Bluecher German Navy who died 15/02/1915 CANNOCK CHASE GERMAN MILITARY CEMETERY United Kingdom ' (Luckily, the 4 332nd uniforms I've owned haven't needed cleaning!) Both bitter ends of the neckerchief should be of equal legnth and the "v" on the back of the knot should face left. DoD (Department Of Defense) You can visit the DoD to confirm if your uniforms adhere to the Disposition policy for the United States Military Combat uniforms. By The Jumi Application is Unpublished or Removed, International Alcoholic Beverages Expo, Guizhou, CHINA. The cleaning process cannot take place with the medals attached. He told the story on the forum some months ago. Dry clean it' s important becouse you'll remove 95% of moths and 50 years of dust, if you wanna save the uniforms you Must dry clean them all , and use some spray or sonething against moths ! Please support us by using them. John Morton was attached to the U.S. Armys 302nd Combat Engineers Battalion. Uniforms worn in combat are almost nonexistent; they just didnt survive. Keep uniforms away from direct light. Donate 2. Any display of a military uniform, either vintage or modern, must begin with cleaning and any repairs. l3$11sP&OXd< 36P$ we1qK8jZ)!lM2cs`~mb-9{xUyq|c*, FS'0A`xRMY|Yfe_EYNe/x I have a number of old military uniforms which are generally in a good state of repair but with some moth damage. Hence, besides the information that she shares, viewers pay attention to her appearance and what she wears. To help the clothing keep its shape, I stuffed it with polyester fiberfill wrapped in cotton cloth (the latter kept it from sticking to the wool uniform). Read this blog to learn more. Most of these companies ensure that a part of their profits goes to foundations that support veterans. You helped me out with a ww2 collar for a ww2 Aussie dress blue square rig I have. A: Youll need guidebooks to interpret them. However, after securing the fabric and sealing the box, proper placement of the shadow box inside your home is crucial to maintaining the uniforms integrity. Overall, burning the uniforms is much better than throwing them out. Middlesex Regiment who died 17/02/1917 REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT France ' If youre considering having your flag cleaned or appraised, consult a conservator. At Shirts were worn as outer garments during the Spanish-American Warnobody was wearing a coat in Cuba. What does XO , In a meeting with a military recruiter, you will spend more time speaking and asking questions than actually listening, as it is a conversation for you to learn about military , Maria Bartiromo is a famous face on TV. Step 3. dailyinfo[24]=' Captain Denzil Robert THURSTON Air Force Cross Airship Training Wing (Cranwell). Autol - Calahorra Motorway (LR-282) Km 7,Calahorra (La Rioja) - [email protected] - +34 941163021 - +34 941163493. Put a nylon screen over the vacuum nozzle (old pantyhose works nicely) to prevent damage. If they need to be cleaned, then clean them with a trusted dry cleaner. Any display of a military uniform, either vintage or modern, must begin with cleaning and any repairs. Donate Donating old uniforms is at Instead of throwing away the uniforms, the military should burn them instead. (Now where's that old GI tarp, I need another sniff! ) The ACU label recommends using cold-water detergent in cold water, and never twisting or wring-drying, or hanging the ACU in direct sunlight. if (month<10) month="0"+month Restoration and preservation of military uniforms can range in price from $150-$250. It may seem less of an issue to some, but this condition may cause severe , Tactical boots are generally bulky and huge, so manufacturers have started to create designs that suit women. 3rd Bn. Military uniforms are commonly made from either khaki, wool, cotton, and sometimes synthetic fabrics like nylon. However, before doing so, ensure that you have read your institutions guidelines on whether dumping it in the garbage is allowed. Evidence of the first use of military uniforms dates back to circa 200 BC and the Spanish warriors who faced Hannibal. While the uniforms are 2: And Baking Soda. 1951-2023 Kel-Lac Uniforms, Inc. dba Kel-Lac Tactical. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment to bring in your uniform. This is all really helpful and the V&A link is brilliant, so many thanks for this. Youll like our prices. It's easy! If the uniforms are still decent and wearable, you can donate them to military organizations like the ROTC, where cadets can wear them for training. Use cold water to pre-treat any stains on the military uniform. Sign up for a new account in our community. var fontend = '' A clothing preservation expert can identify the type of material, assess the condition of the piece, and decide on the best method of care. Les Jensen, curator of the West Point Museum, offers pointers on preserving our ancestors blues, greens and grays. dailyinfo[2]=' 8020 Serjeant Charles POOLE "C" Coy. Whether you have to do it today or in the future, knowing your options on what to do with old military uniforms helps ease the process of getting them out of your hands. dailyinfo[22]=' 25368 Quartermaster Serjeant Leonard Henry CADE Meritorious Service Medal 12th Coy. If you are unable to have your uniform professionally preserved by a restoration specialist now, there are ways to prolong its life until you are able to have it professionally restored. Airing it out in the summer and some of that Frebreeze stuff just might do the trick. dailyinfo[8]=' Ersatz-Reservist August KOOP 5./I.R.425 German Army who died 08/02/1919 ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY Belgium ' H.Politi, M2/115542, ASC, Wireless, horse & motor transport, surviving trophy artillery, Upcoming changes to logging in - click here, GWF is free to use so please support the Forum, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39504494, https://www.colonialpest.com/does-cedar-repel-clothes-moths/. Hot or warm water in conjunction with detergent is likely to fade the colors of your uniform. Check us out! One of our customers called last week and asked us for recommendations to store their fathers old military uniform, so today we are posting some tips to clean and if (dailyinfo[daym] != "") { document.write(fontstart+dailyinfo[daym]+fontend) } Lastly, you can always choose to donate military uniforms to schools or local theater groups that need them for costumes. As fatigue clothing was issued, the basic uniform became the dress uniform, and by the 20th century, there was a clear distinction. Thesoldiersproject is supported by its audience. If you've got stacks of money I'd suggest solid cedar furniture! Wash your combat uniform separate from other clothes. Dont worrythe instructions for how to clean an Army Combat Uniform are simple, reasonable, and easy to carry out. Where can I buy a good enough/costume-quality WWII Navy or Army officer's uniform? In San Antonio, Texas, one individual stepped up the game and decided to turn old military uniforms into wreaths. Just properly wipe and clean them, so they become shiny as new. var daym=mydate.getDate() 2) had a WW2 dress uniform dry cleaned, which had a bullion divisional patch on it. Vacuum all the seams, pockets etc. (Detailed Answer), What Does XO Mean in Military? This download contains over 100+ templates, checklists and worksheets to track your researchfrom conflicting death dates to DNA matches, censuses to source citations. johntaylor24 March , 2019 in Uniforms,Cap Badges and Insignia. So how do you use vinegar in your washing machine? Moths do not eat cotton, hence the value of cotton/calico bags. As the door is on the top they hold cold air better than an ordinary fridge which tends to have all the cold air "fall out" every time the freezer door is opened. Coy. I no longer have my collectible uniforms cleaned, but do store them in a cedar-lined closet, and get them out to "air out" a couple times per year to prevent moth issues. Storage areas are best with stable temperature and humidity. Interesting point about storage - could you tell me why cotton bags are better than plastic please? Some people prefer to display medals in a format that looks the most visually appealing to them. Well, you have five choices either you donate, sell, dispose of, repurpose, or maybe preserve them for keepsakes. Remembered Today: 5 Tips on What to Do with Old Military Uniforms 1. Other materials used could include linen, cotton, and khaki. Here well share some advice to help you keep them in shape. Frank Harrison EDINGER Army Chaplains Department who died 26/02/1918 HOLLYBROOK MEMORIAL, SOUTHAMPTON United Kingdom ' I've taught countless sailors how to do this. Clean each medal, ribbon, and other items by hand with a soft dampened cloth and dry thoroughly before polishing. Not all clothes should be washed at home but not all clothes should be dry cleaned. Sometimes I forget that not everyone is as blessed as I have been. These microscopic strands of plastic are too small for many water-reclamation plants to successfully filter, leaving them to gradually get into our water supply. At. Good luck. Dispose Conclusion 5 Tips on What to Do with Old Military Uniforms 1. The reason is that early vegetable based plastics will dissolve when they come into contact with the dry cleaning fluid. Clean each piece of metal separately and make sure each piece is dried before you get it ready for storage. And all the essential accessories are reviewed to support long-lasting maintenance. Can You Join the Military With an STD? I used to remove them and then sew them back on again after the jacket had been cleaned. Use a gentle detergent with no bleach or softener additives. I wouldn't rely on cedar, it has a limited effect under ideal conditions. dailyinfo[13]=' S/8943 Rifleman John William BENTLEY 3rd Bn. I never washed mine and I had some with bad smell because of cigarette leftovers in the pockets, but I cleaned and left in the shade and I left. I find because of leathers that had been placed by the tailor in the tips of sleeves, I leave inside of a display for not to feel. Display with Care Shadow boxes are a common way to display medals and uniforms. We've tried cedar blocks in our normal clothes, and their ragged state confirms that we need something more powerful. Uniforms can still become damaged in a shadow box if they are not used properly. As SeaJane noted - plastic creates micro-environments that are not always best for the object. Royal Flying Corps who died 06/02/1918 LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY Belgium ' A: Civil War material is rare, but occasionally pieces turn up. I have done it with ww1 & 2 uniforms for 30 years. One method that may not have crossed your mind yet is preserving the uniforms. Basically, he took a vintage USN blue jacket with bullion rates etc., to be dry-cleaned. However, when wearing them, look into the regulations your branch of service or military institution has imposed about them. In addition to the uniform, you can also add all the medals, ribbons, and badges you received in the duration of your service. Step 2. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment to bring in your uniform. The Most Effective Method. dailyinfo[9]=' 910311 Private Charles Henry CROMWELL 2nd Canadian Constr. Please for proper display of our website you should enable it or use another browser that supports it. Cedar wood has a great reputation as a moth/bug repellent though I understand that a couple of times a year it is recommended that you lightly sand the surface to refresh the aroma. The Complete Guide, How to Spot a Military Impostor? Chinese Labour Corps who died 20/02/1918 ST. ETIENNE-AU-MONT COMMUNAL CEMETERY France ' Several of the wires in the bullion thread came apart, and again it went to 1/2-baked quality. The Neckerchief needs to be rolled in a specific manner and tied in a square knot, as well. It is not even limited to decorative items only. Shadow boxes are a common way to display medals and uniforms. Crystal Cleaning Center, we have over 50 years of experience caring for heirloom items and other vintage treasures. dailyinfo[3]=' 45 Gunner HAZURA SINGH 31st Mountain Battery Indian Mountain Artillery who died 03/03/1920 TEHRAN MEMORIAL Iranm ' By dedicating it to uniforms and leather, there is no problem with contaminating food and vis-a-versa. it's not a great idea to dry clean fabrics like this. If you need to use your dryer, use a low-heat tumble-dry setting, but ideally, allow enough time to hang-dry the uniform. Even an obviously cotton item could become damaged if not washed appropriately. Connecting to your history is an experience worth preserving. What Does Landline Mean in the Military? By the end of World War II, the 1943 field uniform superseded those, and all men wore that one uniform. and Gen. Hos. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thesoldiersproject.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Plus, a trip to the nearest textile disposal program is only one car ride away. Wrap individual pieces with acid-free tissue paper, and be sure to pad folds with tissue paper, too, to prevent creasing. Again, do not forget to remove any insignias before selling old military uniforms. How to Dispose of Old Military Uniforms Properly; Option #2: Keep Them; Option #3: Donating Them; What To Do With Old Badges, Medals, and Ribbons; How To Prevent Your Old Military Uniform From Being Used For Stolen Valor; Conclusion EPAs studies found that in 2018, there were 11.3 million tons of textile dumped in landfills. Washing your uniform in cold water isnt just whats best for the uniform, its whats best for the environment. Royal Engineers who died 31/01/1919 COLOGNE SOUTHERN CEMETERY Germany ' Royal Horse Artillery who died 21/02/1917 GUARDS CEMETERY, COMBLES France ' So, in our opinion, the best way to get rid of your old military uniforms is to donate them. (add light starch to cold water if desired) We used a 1/8" dowel and taped it to the point with "drafting tape" (like masking tape but less sticky leaves less residue on the silk) We would roll it up after ironing it to slightly damp and allow it to dry on the rod with the tight roll secured by more drafting tape at strategic places along its glength. Si quieres estar al da y conocer todas las noticias y promociones de Bodegas Torremaciel. South Lancashire Regiment who died 12/02/1917 BASRA MEMORIAL Iraq ' dailyinfo[7]=' Major Surtees ATKINSON Military Cross Royal Field Artillery who died 07/02/1918 FULFORD CEMETERY United Kingdom ' }F+Ri&@l\,u,/=b$$N"W?>L9?C\1jES,^JH+p 6 s#FmEmIIllHI6Te!F/_t|#~x }Gk~m4`a qVk2'LZcKdzm=ndFo%{F'Lm840h J$WS;$13Wf;h #3;k/HB7kxuaKy-"IPWdG;v# ;vs(k||tuY~,Y,42OlwYdP6T d.#/`QL87#c: You may have seen this in military books or films. This is another environmentally-friendly way to get rid of your uniforms. Grace Dobush and Sunny Jane Morton, from the November 2009 (Dobush) and May 2011 (Morton) issues of Family Tree Magazine. If it can survive that acceptably, you can feel confident it won't fall apart during dry cleaning. [Stats Included!]. If they were sewn i don t touch anything! Has anyone done this before, and is there any advice on the issue of cleaning please? For Ricardo - I haven't had any uniforms glow after dry cleaning (and I have tested them). Hello navyguyAl, we've met before online! October 29, 2011 in UNIFORMS, Most of the ones I have encountered have at least been musty, if not outright stinky. The American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works offers online tips for finding one. Boer war and WW1 British army bayonets, blades and their history. WebWe use a proprietary process to restore and preserve heirloom fabrics such as vintage military uniforms. DO NOT WASH woolen uniforms, even in Woolite or similar products! Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. Read our blog to learn about some important tips you can follow that will help you properly care for your fur coat. Suggest airing them out in the great outdoors to allow them vent. If the weather is foul, a few days in the garage should suffice. Burning it is also an option, but it may not be the best as far as ethical and eco-friendly concerns go. var fontstart = '' Thus, it is necessary to dress up for the occasion. However, one reminder before donating old uniforms is to remove any patches and insignias with names, ranks, and logos. Strongly support gentle hand wash with a wool soft wash product, followed by air drying in good natural ventilation. I wanted to create a display that would keep Grandpa Mortons service fresh in our memory. Cavalry troops sometimes reinforced their trousers with tent canvas. Summer is often a great time for an outdoor wedding. Also, don't store in plastic but use a cotton bag, or loose in an airy closet. Store hats, gloves and shoes in archival boxes with acid-free tissue padding to help the items keep their shape. Is it OK to dry clean a smelly old uniforms? However, you can always start by having it dry cleaned accordingly, depending on the type of textile. The best tactical binoculars can give you full details of the , My old Hatch sap gloves got ruined, so I was looking for a way to make one without buying a new pair due to economic reasons. He adds, It also isnt a bad idea to keep this and other important heirlooms near each other in order to quickly remove them in the case of an emergency, like a fire.. Never a problem. We can dry clean your basic wardrobe essentials, such as your sweaters and pants, plus your more elaborate wardrobe pieces, such as stage wear and pageant gowns. Washing a combat uniform with other articles of clothing can 2. Older uniforms though the plastic buttons can be a problem. About labels with marking and signature ; Classic Dry clean is not dangerous and all my uniforms with label or signed were never changed or come back damaged from any loundry , THE real problems start when you Wash the uniforms with hot water, it could damage or totally clean the printed labels and signatures. Also, check this article to find the facts about the Texas A&M uniform! Schiffer Books has a growing number of volumes on 20th-century uniforms, including guides to insignia. Careful vacuuming of pockets and if possible linings. (Salonika) Territorial Force Nursing Service who died 01/03/1918 KNOWLE (SS. 9-13/09/2014. Never a problem. You just have keep working the top edge of the dixie cup until the edge stretches out enough to hold the edge at a 90 degree angle to the rest of the side. 1. dailyinfo[11]=' Seacunny ABDUR RAHMAN SIRAJUL HAQ S.S. MERTON HALL (Liverpool). Royal Air Force who died 24/02/1919 LINCOLN (NEWPORT) CEMETERY United Kingdom ' It is of that superb thick soft cloth material. I still get all mine dry cleaned, despite losing the patches on one of the jackets. A dry cleaner will use multiple methods to restore jerseys to their original look. However, in my personal opinion, it's MUCH better to take that small risk than to have the uniforms destroyed by moths and mold (some of the Navy uniforms I've rescued recently were scary bad) :pinch: Unless it were really bad, I wouldn't take in a WW1 332nd uniform, and I did get my Alamo Scout Silver Star recipient uniform cleaned. Clean military medals with a soft, dry camel hair brush; remove any rubber bands. John Mortons fragile paperwork is in archival enclosures, but we display these other items for the value they communicate to our family life today. What really shocked me at first was the vast majority of young sailors didn't know how to tie a proper windsor knot. Lincolnshire Regiment who died 05/03/1916 CITE BONJEAN MILITARY CEMETERY, ARMENTIERES France ' As with any of our preservations, you always have the opportunity to view your treasured piece before it is boxed, ensuring your happiness with the result of our actions taken towards its restoration.