[Happydogs]

I have 41 leather postcards from 1907 that are sewn together as they formerly were in a frame. I took them out of the frame as it was exceedingly heavy and the cards are now sitting on the back of a chair. Is there any special way to hang them outside of a frame and, also, should they have any special care so they don't dry up? Thank you, Lee B

[Happydogs]

I have 41 leather postcards from 1907 that are sewn together as they formerly were in a frame. I took them out of the frame as it was exceedingly heavy and the cards are now sitting on the back of a chair. Is there any special way to hang them outside of a frame and, also, should they have any special care so they don't dry up? Thank you, Lee B

How to take care/hang leather postcards.

[Clough]

What you have posted is a difficult question to answer. But, I will make an attempt here.

In my opinion, I wouldn't be hanging them in the open air. I would suggest that they be in a frame of some kind that supports them and is also an environment in which they will have the proper humidity that is needed to be maintained for the preservation of them. Perhaps you could find one that is made of lighter materials and is also safe for the preservation of them?

I did find some information on the following site that might also be helpful to you. The National World War II Museum, New Orleans - Artifacts

Basic Preservation of Leather Artifacts

Leather is a difficult item to preserve; care should be taken to store in medium humidity and moderate temperature, generally speaking inside your home is suitable.

Avoid displaying leather items in direct sunlight or bright light. If the leather is dirty or moldy clean it with saddle soap.

Allow the item to dry in the shade.

If the item feels overly dry or stiff you may wish to oil it with Neets foot oil. Be sure to use only pure Neets foot oil not Neets foot compound which contains petroleum by products. Never use petroleum products or anything that does not list the ingredients on your leather. Any thing that is put on leather is there to stay beware of creating problems.

Most leather will stiffen over time; this is generally not a problem as historic items should not be used. Take time now while the leather is pliable to support the item in a displayable manner. For example lightly stuff the toes of shoes or boots to help them maintain their shape, use acid free tissue; boot tops can be supported with acid free tubes made from file folders. Do up all the laces and buckles.

Like wise leather case should be stuffed to hold their shape. If you are opening and closing a case do not continue to fasten buckles every time this will certainly lead to breakage.

The above information does not apply to suede or kid leather; consult a professional for preservation of items make from these types of leather.