Grease pencil on gold boxes

[rblue]

This may seem a strange question but is there any information or advice out there on how to preserve and prevent the deterioration of the grease pencil serial numbers on the gold boxes?
I've recently been gifted a boxed .38/44 HD and it, like my other gold box pieces, has a fading grease pencil matching number on the box…just hate to see it fade away over the coming years.
Thanks
RBlue

 

[Truckman]

I've wondered that myself...All mine are faded badly......Ben

 

[JP@AK]

Someone may have an idea on how to preserve what is there. I don't. But, I will tell you what you should NOT do and make a suggestion about one course of action.

First, DO NOT trace over the old number with your own grease pencil. This may seem obvious, but I know people who might be inclined to think that is a good idea. It isn't.

Storing the box in a humidity controlled circumstance will help (a safe with humidity control, for example).

Next, I would record the serial number and the fact that the number appeared on the box bottom at such and such a date. Write that information on a slip of paper (maybe a Post It) and place it inside the box. If you want to fasten the note to the inside of the box, use the type of Scotch tape that does not have the regular, more or less permanent, stickum. Scotch makes tape with the same sort of stickum that is used on Post Its. It will hold the note in place, but is easily removed without harming the surface to which is is attached.

This approach will not preserve the grease pencil mark, but it does preserve the record.

 

[Mblhopo]

I have a Colt SAA made in 1961 with the black box with white grease pencil still in good shape, don't know why. I am guessing its because its grease.......................................M*

 

[Ruger 13]

Trace over it with a grease pencil!

 

[Heinz]

Why not take a photo of it and put that in the box?

 

[Truckman]

Why not take a photo of it and put that in the box?

Excellent idea!...The light and focus could be adjusted at the right angle to show the S/N at its best......Ben

 

[Hawg Rider]

A light spray of Clear Coat (acrylic or model paint) would do the trick. Also, I've had good luck just applying RenWax to the entire box to help protect and brighten up all the surfaces.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Never use a Post-It note. I bought a large collection of Smith & Wesson catalogs from the Carlos Mason Estate collection in 1988. They all had a Post-It note inside with the date of the sale and the price. Last year, I removed one to compare it with one I bought. I removed the Post-It. There was an oily brown residue where the note was.

 

[lkabug]

One might try a product used by artists and draftmen called fixative.
One called brand called Sennelier D'Artigny Pastel Fixative is often used on oil paste paintings. I would make test run first.

 

[handejector]

I do not think the grease pencil "fades". I think it gets rubbed off. Abrasion is the enemy.
So, protect from abrasion. DO NOT do that by coating the box with ANYTHING. Big Bad! I have never seen a waxed or clear coated box that did not look like it was waxed or clear coated!

So, what do we do?
Wrapping with cloth is not good because you are "wiping" the grease pencil every time you unwrap or even move the box. If wrapped with paper, that same wiping occurs to a lesser degree. However, if wrapping with paper, it should be a high grade or even archival grade.

One simple method to protect the bottom is to put the bottom in the lid- the "open box" position. The bottom is then protected, but storage can be a problem. They don't stack well. If you have a lot of boxes, buy a blueprint cabinet and store them in this "open box" position with the tops up so they are not constantly rubbing.

 

[JP@AK]

Never use a Post-It note. I bought a large collection of Smith & Wesson catalogs from the Carlos Mason Estate collection in 1988. They all had a Post-It note inside with the date of the sale and the price. Last year, I removed one to compare it with one I bought. I removed the Post-It. There was an oily brown residue where the note was.

Good info, Don. Thanks.