burial Flag

[tlathan]

I have recieved our families "Burial" Flag that was displayed over my brother's coffin when he was buried. It was presented to our family in 1978. It has been stored, in it's original triangle form but when I went to get it so I could put it in a nice display case I found that it smelled and was in need of cleaning. Before I do anything to it, I would like to know if getting it dry cleaned prior to refolding it and putting it in the display case is what I should do. Any suggestions?

[NAVA1974]

Before I do anything to it, I would like to know if getting it dry cleaned prior to refolding it and putting it in the display case is what I should do. Any suggestions?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with unfolding an internment flag and cleaning it, or even flying it for that matter. However you wish to honor your brother with the flag is up to you.

If you do plan to store the flag in the display case then it should, indeed, be cleaned. Whatever is making the flag smell is likely to cause the fabric to deteriorate over time. You may also wish to consder lining the inside of the display case with acid-free paper as the wood stain or varnish may also harm the fabrics. The glass front is pretty inert - just don't place the case where it receives direct sunlight during any part of the day.

Many dry-cleaners offer to clean American flags for free. Some limit it to the period between June 14 (Flag Day) and the 4th of July, but I suspect you could find one to clean it for no charge if you looked around.

Nick A
Columbia Maryland

[J.A.F.E.]

The best thing to do is seal the inside of the display case with 2 mil or thicker Mylar-D (there are many Mylar products only the one designated D is appropriate) but that was discontinued in the early 2000's and may be hard to find. The replacement is Melinex 516. Again, there are many Melinex products only 516 is suitable here. Both are made by DuPont and are clear, stable, inert polyester films with no additives. A good picture framer or conservation library should be able to hook you up. Lining the box with aluminum foil is a reasonable alternative if you can't find the Mylar/Melinex.

Cover the aluminum foil with 100% cotton rag paper - do not use acid free paper. Acid free paper is regular paper buffered with a base, usually calcium carbonate, added to stabilize the acids formed by the degrading lignin in the paper.

University Products has an extensive line of archival storage products. (I have no interest in and no connection with them other than as a customer.)

[NAVA1974]

... do not use acid free paper. Acid free paper is regular paper buffered with a base, usually calcium carbonate, added to stabilize the acids formed by the degrading lignin in the paper.

Thanks for that correction. I assumed most acid-free papers were rag content. I'll have to read the labels more carefully from now on.

Nick A
Columbia Maryland