Tunic Display Solutions

[BrodieBartfast]

Hello folks.

Thought I'd finally start a thread on this, as it's a problem that's been bugging me for some time.

Like most of us here, I own a military uniform or two. Currently, however, they're consigned to the wardrobe, where they hang out of sight in the dark. For the longest time, I've been trying to figure out a way to display them 'in the open' in a way that's cost- and space-effective.
Most would suggest mannequins, and this is something that's been put to me before. I love the idea of slowly dressing up and completing a mannequin over time, but I simply do not have the space. In my collection room, there's barely enough standing room for me alone, never mind an army of silent plastic soldiers. I've considered using only a torso or tailor's dummy, but again space is limited, and the result would be a cramped and messy-looking display.

In short, I'd be interested to know how other collectors in my position have overcome this issue. I'd like to display a uniform, most notably a tunic, properly without having to fold it or drape it over something else. I must stress that I have very - 'very' - limited floor space to work with. I do, however, have a lot of free wall space if I take down some posters.

Regards, B.B.

[Rakkasan187]

BB,

You can try half mannequins that have coat hanger hooks on them. I know of some collectors here in the US that use this type and hang them on their walls. They have both male and female variations and are decently priced...

Smitty

Hollow Back Plastic Hanging Female 1/2 Mannequin Form (3 pack) – Mannequin Madness

[BrodieBartfast]

BB,

You can try half mannequins that have coat hanger hooks on them. I know of some collectors here in the US that use this type and hang them on their walls. They have both male and female variations and are decently priced...

Smitty

Hollow Back Plastic Hanging Female 1/2 Mannequin Form (3 pack) – Mannequin Madness

Those look perfect for the job, thanks! Just need to find somewhere in Old Blighty that sells them.

EDIT: Found a virtually identical product on eBay already. You've truly been a massive help here. Thank you.

B.B.

[Rakkasan187]

BB,. These work well for limited space collectors.. good luck with your display.. you need anything else, drop me a message.. Smitty

[BrodieBartfast]

BB,. These work well for limited space collectors.. good luck with your display.. you need anything else, drop me a message.. Smitty

Will do. A German combat tunic is on my list of 'maybe' purchases for the summer shows, and if I do end up buying one it'll be replacing the NSDAP flag on the wall with my German small arms display. I think they'll complement each other quite nicely.

That's still a couple of months away yet, but I'll update the relevant threads when the time comes.

Regards, B.B.

[MAP]

Just make sure with those hanger half manny's that when you put the tunic on there is not too much stress on any one part of the tunic. Over time it's not good for the fabric.

You know I don't have much space either. I use the full torso half mannequins and put them on top of my other displays. I can't display them all so I rotate them once a year or so. I like keeping them in the dark as well so the closet is a good place. I use room darkening shades as well to cut the sun which fades the fabric.

Room 3.jpg

Room 4.jpg

[Rakkasan187]

MAP brings up an excellent point about stress on the uniform seams, especially on the shoulders. You may want to get some tissue paper and create a barrier between the mannequin and the uniform, or place a cotton t-shirt on the mannequin. This will act as a buffer between the plastic which may off gas and your textiles. Another thing you can do is build up some padding in the shoulders and sleeves so the uniform will be able to "breathe" a little while hanging..

Also rotating the uniforms is a very good idea to let the textiles again "breathe" and rest.

Very good advice and suggestions...

Smitty

[BrodieBartfast]

MAP brings up an excellent point about stress on the uniform seams, especially on the shoulders. You may want to get some tissue paper and create a barrier between the mannequin and the uniform, or place a cotton t-shirt on the mannequin. This will act as a buffer between the plastic which may off gas and your textiles. Another thing you can do is build up some padding in the shoulders and sleeves so the uniform will be able to "breathe" a little while hanging..

Also rotating the uniforms is a very good idea to let the textiles again "breathe" and rest.

Very good advice and suggestions...

Smitty

I already do this for the uniforms on hangers in the wardrobe. Pad the shoulders with acid-free tissue paper as I would a suit jacket. Prevents stress and deformation. I also hang each of them inside a plastic cover to keep the dust off and the moths out. When the time comes to display one on the wall, I'll most likely hang that one inside a cover as well. I've never actually had any issues with moths, but have had carpet beetles crop up once or twice in the past. Better to be safe than sorry.

Regards, B.B.

[MAP]

I get some cedar chips and put them in the tunics (as well as Bounce fabric softener sheets) and then cover them in plastic from the cleaners. The plastic keeps the dust off plus keeps in the smell of the cedar to repel the moths. (I don't have moth issues either but just in case....)