12th AF Scarf from 40s...how to preserve?

[misterchicken]

HI All,

I am searching for information on this scarf...my great uncle left it to me which I was so mesmerized by as a kid, and I cannot find any clue as to what it was/any background, etc. He would have been active I would think at the start of the 12th in the early 40s. If you kindly have any ideas of where I could seek some assistance? I am sure it would be as priceless to see to many as it is for me to have it. It is 32" x 32". It has many names and drawings on it: Honey Chile, Nightmare, Red the Wrecker III, Pistol Packin mama, Thumper, Ridge Runner, Jig Jig, Black Scorpion,Lil Henry, Ace of pearls, Black magic, Skylark, Lonesome Polecat...etc...and lots of 12th AF script and emblems. I only wish I knew more. It has been hanging with thumbtacks in a cottage for 60+ years and is in remarkable condition! But I would like to preserve it forever, and am not sure how to go about doing so. I do not have much $ to do it, but it is my treasure. Any ideas? It is silk but I do not know if it is parachute silk. Has some stains.

 

MANY THANKS!

Carla

[Bob Hudson]

What a great piece: can we see the rest? That may provide some more clues as to the source.

 

Here's one link on textile preservation: http://www.kshs.org/preserve/heirlooms/textiles.htm

 

The typical advice is to store things flat because hanging textiles places stress on the fibers. This site has some good advice on how to hang them properly: http://www.textilemuseum.org/care/brochures/guidelines.htm

[Bluehawk]

See also this link:

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...showtopic=26375

 

What Forum Support said about hanging old textiles is certainly true, especially when it comes to silk which, if humidity is too low or there is ANY sunlight on it, will then simply come completely to pieces - like a 100 year-old newspaper in the Mojave.

 

Valuable cotton and wool, or most synthetics, can be suspended for long periods but only if an adequate neutral backing is sewn on to carry the weight of gravity away from the artifact.

 

Also, if part of the 12th AF, he might have been in the 340th Bomb Group

 

http://www.budslawncare.com/57/340.htm

[misterchicken]

Oh thank you so much for the information! Just today I showed it to a dressmaker friend of mine who believes it is actually rayon, which may be why its so well in tact? I am going to post it in another forum to see if anyone can help identify what it may be but I will DEFINATELY post the whole image when I have it scanned! Its amazing, 32" x 32"! Thanks SO much for your help!

 

Carla

[doyler]

I have one Identical to yours.In my opinion these were done in Italy.Mine came in the pocket of a flight jacket to a pilot in the 79th Fighter/85th Fighter group..The Flying Skullmen.He had served in the Desert AF as well as the 12thAF.Was killed after the war in Austria in a plane crash due to mechanical failure.Sorry I have no more information.I sense these were made as souvenirs for the men to be worn or sent home to a loved one.

 

RD

[misterchicken]

Thanks so much for everyone's help...I wish I knew more but am getting deeper into some amazing history.

I finally have the whole scarf scanned so here it is.

 

Thank you again!

Carla