-
Cataloging & Preserving a Wehrpaß Collection
Hello folks.
Very recently, I devised a system for cataloging, storing and preserving German identity documents that is both cost- and space-effective. Until recently, I simply displayed these documents in my cabinet. As time has passed and the collection has grown, the amount of these documents in my possession makes open display both impractical and messy. Rather than spreading them throughout the collection room and risk losing them, I've come up with a way to properly store and preserve them, whilst allowing myself and others to continue to enjoy the history they hold within their pages.
Don't know if this will be of much interest to others, and may come across as pointless and rambling, but preservation is something that's always on my mind. Pretty much the entire reason for our collecting these things is to save them for future generations to enjoy. We're temporary caretakers, so we might as well keep things tidy while we're at it.
I'd like to thank Andreas for his assistance in translating these documents. Without his help, the information I've built up wouldn't be anywhere near as comprehensive as it is.
So...
STEP I: Computer Wizardry
I have devised a system similar to the one utilised in large archives, specifically those that specialise in storing vintage newsprint. In their case, every page of the original paper is scanned, and then the original is placed into storage. This way, people may enjoy it without putting wear and tear on what is already a very fragile artifact.
My method takes heavy inspiration from this. The first stage involves photographing the item, as I would with any new acquisition.
On my computer, I have various folders pertaining to my collection and to my activity on the forum. I use one folder for saving photographs for upload, titled 'WRF_Photos'. Another, titled 'WRF_Translations' is used for the digital versions of the translations typed out by Andreas.
In a third folder, titled 'WRF_Wehrpaß_Scans' I transfer copies of my forum photos into subfolders titled with the Wehrpaß owner's name. If ever I need to reference a specific Wehrpaß, I need only open this folder and go through the photos. In essence, I have a digital copy of each Wehrpaß, which I may read and study to my heart's content without any fear of damaging it.
The translations in the other folder are easily matched to each one, allowing anyone who might receive my collection after I drop off the twig to learn as much as I have, and identify each document with ease.
All of this is saved on my computer, as well as an external memory stick. These, coupled with the forum, keep my digital catalog safe from harm or loss.
STEP II: Physical Storage
Once I've completed all the above for an individual Wehrpaß, I wrap it in acid free tissue paper and seal it with a sticker. On the sticker, I write the owner's name. As the document cannot legibly be seen through the folded paper, this prevents any confusion.
The Wehrpaß are then placed into a flip folder. In the front of this folder, I keep a printed copy of each translation, with the man's name at the top. If the document came with any 'added extras' such as a draft notice or other paperwork, I place them in a clear plastic wallet and staple the wallet to the relevant translation.
The result for one document is something like this:
As new Wehrpaß come in, I need only repeat this process as needed. Not only does this give me huge peace of mind, it allows me to share my collection with others without having to worry about damage. It also makes sense logistically, as I can keep track of what I have without having to go digging through cupboards or my display cabinet.
A much better alternative to leaving them on a shelf to gather dust, and an effective way to immortalise the deeds of these forgotten individuals.
And that, as they say, is history.
Regards, B.B.
-
01-16-2018 06:30 PM
# ADS
Circuit advertisement
-
B.B.
As a museum professional, I applaud your efforts to conserve and preserve these documents and artifacts. There are so many different environments in our changing world that a stable environment and some type of protective measure is necessary to ensure that future generations will be able to study and learn from these documents and artifacts that we collect. Acid free paper, Mylar clear plastic, buffered acid free card stock, all good preservation must haves..
Well done and a great thread with valuable information..
Smitty
-
by
Rakkasan187
B.B.
As a museum professional, I applaud your efforts to conserve and preserve these documents and artifacts. There are so many different environments in our changing world that a stable environment and some type of protective measure is necessary to ensure that future generations will be able to study and learn from these documents and artifacts that we collect. Acid free paper, Mylar clear plastic, buffered acid free card stock, all good preservation must haves..
Well done and a great thread with valuable information..
Smitty
Thank you very much. To come from someone who works in museum preservation, that truly means something to me. Truth be told, I've sort of muddled along with this. I've always known only to use acid free tissue paper. At one point, I was contemplating separating every page of each document to prevent ink bleed, but thought that might be a tad excessive.
These documents are never exposed to extremes of heat or cold, only the usual range of UK seasonal temperatures. The folder is kept in a dark cupboard along with my binders of medals, coins and banknotes.
Thank you again for the kind words!
B.B.
-
I put them in a shoe box !
-
by
lebus12
I put them in a shoe box !
Each to their own! 
B.B.
-
B.B.
You are doing the right thing.. Well done.. If you (or any other forum members) have any questions about preservation techniques, I will be happy to assist..
Smitty
-
Your willingness to go that extra mile in cataloging and preserving these pieces of history is highly commendable! 
-
I've had people tell me I'm obsessed with this hobby. Well, it's better to be obsessed with something useful, isn't it?
Regards, B.B.
-
Well done BB. I would also suggest, if you are using Microsoft software that you make use of "One drive" so that you can also have a cloud based back up of your files - disk recovery, should the worst happen is pricey - you can have a safe back up on the Microsoft cloud for nothing.
-
by
BlackCat1982
Well done BB. I would also suggest, if you are using Microsoft software that you make use of "One drive" so that you can also have a cloud based back up of your files - disk recovery, should the worst happen is pricey - you can have a safe back up on the Microsoft cloud for nothing.
A good point. I may upload the database to a couple of cloud-based storage solutions. The more copies of it exist, the less likely I am to lose them all at once. With digital storage of any type, corruption and loss is always going to be a risk. That's why I've put more effort into the real-life aspect of it. You can't easily lose a wad of paper in a folder!
B.B.
.
Bookmarks