mslurvey Posted November 24, 2015 Share #1 Posted November 24, 2015 Would like opinions on if I should leave the two staples in the 45th Division patch as they match the staple holes in the oilcloth identification tag or remove them. Thanks in advance for any advice. Mason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCman01 Posted November 24, 2015 Share #2 Posted November 24, 2015 Personally, the fact that they have been I there that long to be a direct match with the tag and with a chance at damaging the patch, I would leave them in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted November 24, 2015 Share #3 Posted November 24, 2015 Eventually they will rust and stain the pouch. Old iron is not a good archival material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashlarue Posted November 24, 2015 Share #4 Posted November 24, 2015 Staples in a patch are just asking for rust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamski Posted November 24, 2015 Share #5 Posted November 24, 2015 If the patch was actually attached to the tag or the original shoe lace, then I would leave it alone. Here? Pull it. As mentioned above, it will simply rust. -Ski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeeper704 Posted November 24, 2015 Share #6 Posted November 24, 2015 Remove it, but keep them together. The staples will ruin a very nice patch. Erwin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted November 24, 2015 Share #7 Posted November 24, 2015 Diamonds to Rust. .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL THE PATCH Posted November 24, 2015 Share #8 Posted November 24, 2015 Listen I removed tons of staples from patches over the years, they leave an I indentation from staple. If its a fully emb cloth patch, not felt or wool( never tried it on those patches) soak in water overnight let dry. staple mark should be gone. Water will not damage patch. I've done this plenty of times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted November 24, 2015 Share #9 Posted November 24, 2015 Great idea from Bill the Patch...sounds like good advice.The staple indents really don't phase me. My main concern. ..what will the staple collectors think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trenchbuff Posted November 25, 2015 Share #10 Posted November 25, 2015 The staples have been on there for 70+ years. When are they going to start rusting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted November 25, 2015 Share #11 Posted November 25, 2015 Looks like a bit of rust on tbe staple face already. Have several with staple marks or paper clip marks from being sent home in letters. Left them as is over the years.The next owner can decide what's best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted November 25, 2015 Share #12 Posted November 25, 2015 The staples have been on there for 70+ years. When are they going to start rusting? Why risk a patch? I have bought way too many vintage military items that had permament rust stains from staples, metal clothes hangers, safety pins and other known carriers of rust. Something can be stored in optimal climate conditions and not rust, but move it say, to a humid environment and the rust will prove it never sleeps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocsfollowme Posted November 25, 2015 Share #13 Posted November 25, 2015 I have a nice thread on how to remove rust on the forum from patches. The collections of great patches that were stored in basements without dehumidifier are the ones that we all fear. Here is the link http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/195484-rust-stains-on-a-patch/?hl=rust Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted November 25, 2015 Share #14 Posted November 25, 2015 I have a nice thread on how to remove rust on the forum from patches. The collections of great patches that were stored in basements without dehumidifier are the ones that we all fear. Here is the link http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/195484-rust-stains-on-a-patch/?hl=rust Thanks for posting that: your first photo is the poster boy for staple removal: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted November 25, 2015 Share #15 Posted November 25, 2015 Would like opinions on if I should leave the two staples in the 45th Division patch as they match the staple holes in the oilcloth identification tag or remove them. Thanks in advance for any advice. Mason Mason on another note you could remove them and replace them on the tag if you wanted to keep the staples. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1SG_1st_Cav Posted November 26, 2015 Share #16 Posted November 26, 2015 Keep the staples and throw away the patch! Or keep the staples and send me the patch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted November 26, 2015 Share #17 Posted November 26, 2015 I always remove stables from documents before archiving them, to avoid the rust. I use a pair of needle nose jeweler pliers to life the ends up and then pull it straight off. On 70+ year old documents, having removed hundreds of staples, I've had very little collateral damage to the corners of the paper. I imagine it would be even easier on patches I say document with photos, and get rid of the staple Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mslurvey Posted November 27, 2015 Author Share #18 Posted November 27, 2015 Gentlemen Thanks for all the advice and I am going to remove the staples from the patch so it will last the next 70 years. Mason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benguttery Posted November 28, 2015 Share #19 Posted November 28, 2015 Suggest replacing staple with a stainless steel one. I library/archive might be able to spot you a few. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted November 28, 2015 Share #20 Posted November 28, 2015 Suggest replacing staple with a stainless steel one. I library/archive might be able to spot you a few. "Stainless steel" can still rust. Here's something from staple maker's website. "Typically stainless steel staples are made of #304, or in special cases #316, stainless steel wire. They are corrosion-resistant for extended periods of time, but not completely rust-proof in all circumstances as there is a small percentage of iron in the steel wire alloy. Monel wire staples are indefinitely rust-proof as there is a high nickel content in the wire. They also are immune to galvanic action which can cause corrosion when stainless steel staples are in contact with other metals, such as screening" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchcollector Posted November 29, 2015 Share #21 Posted November 29, 2015 If the patch was actually attached to the tag or the original shoe lace, then I would leave it alone. Here? Pull it. As mentioned above, it will simply rust. -Ski I agree with Teamski;if the patch was still attached to the tag,I would probably leave it as is,but since it is now separated I would probably pull them.You have already taken photos of the item with the staples in it,my suggestion is to keep a hardcopy image of it with the patch and tag. The staples have been on there for 70+ years. When are they going to start rusting? Just a thought.There may already be rust marks behind the staples that cannot be seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gap Posted December 4, 2015 Share #22 Posted December 4, 2015 Remove and use an ice cube to restore indents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BROBS Posted December 4, 2015 Share #23 Posted December 4, 2015 ice cube huh? do you put the patch in a baggie to keep it dry? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gap Posted December 4, 2015 Share #24 Posted December 4, 2015 Nope, apply right on the indent. Water will not hurt the patch. With that said, the baggie idea might work too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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