Restoring a WW1 uniform

[Stahlberg]

Hi,

I recently traded for this unnamed 91st Division uniform and, as you may see, it is in very rough shape. There are multiple holes in the wool and in the liner. I'm hoping to use this as a restoration project or to have it professionally restored. Does anyone have any tips on how I should go about patching the holes? And should I decide to have it professionally restored who would everyone recommend sending it to? All tips are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jacob

[Stahlberg]

The Disks and damage around the area

[Stahlberg]

Sleeve and Pocket Damage

[doyler]

Jacob

 

I know there can be areas rewoven but its a lost art.Im not aware of anyone here doing it.Maybe a dry cleaner in your area can recommend a restorer or a near by museum curator?

 

Another option.

 

Being unamed you can purchase an original uniform with out insignia and transfer it if other options are not found.Keel this one and document the process if you wish.

 

Then again it could be left as is too.Often a hard choice to make.

[McDermut99]

Since there is no personal connection to the uniform, I would suggest you leave it be with the insignia still on it. To have it taken to a conservator who knows what they are doing would cost a good deal of money.

 

Overall it is still a very nice uniform. Put together with other related items (helmet, trousers, etc.) it would make a nice display, regardless of the damage it has.

[VMI88]

I agree - the damage isn't enough to warrant removing the insignia. Professional restoration is an option but chances are it would be prohibitively expensive. I'd just leave it as is - it's approaching 100 years old and isn't expected to be perfect.

[dunmore1774]

I agree, leave as is. It's not that bad and gives it some character.

[Cobra 6 Actual]

I can't help you on the big holes, such as the ones you show at the bottom of the pockets. And, I'm not sure of the long term consequences of doing this, but, for the small holes, like the one next to the collar brass, I have done the following (and, if you are going to try this, please do it in an area that is not so visible):

 

1. Take a battery operated sweater shaver and 'shave' some wool from somewhere on the inside of the tunic.

2. Put something behind the hole, such as a piece of Saran Wrap, so that the glue doesn't adhere to the inside of the tunic.

3. Put a wee drop of Elmer's glue in the hole.

4. Take the sweater shaver's shavings of the wool and put it in the hole, smoothing it in with your finger.

5. Let it dry.

6. Use the sweater shaver to gently remove any bits of wool still sticking up from the hole.

7. Repeat as needed.

 

I don't make any claims to be a conservator. But, as noted, I have used the above method and it works for me.

[swmdo]

I say leave as is...look at all the civil war uniforms with holes in them. I do like cobra6 actual comments might be neat to give it a try.

[Cobra 6 Actual]

I say leave as is...look at all the civil war uniforms with holes in them. I do like cobra6 actual comments might be neat to give it a try.

Thanks, Swmdo! It seemed to work especially well with woolen items. The cool thing about it, though, is that if you looked at the repaired area from the back side, holding it up to the sunlight, you could see the repaired area. So, this is not some trick an unscrupulous dealer could use to made a moth-eaten item magically become new again. But, it sure does improve the appearance of an item.