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Hi Patrick,

The good thing is that I can confirm the cleaning methods that the 1900 regulations advise. Although the last one in the family Specilaist dry cleaning business, we have been founded for 103 years and is still have ancient dry cleaning and laundering books that date from the era and gives cleaning instructions for everything from Kidd a leather Gloves to headwear.

Much of the recommended products are no longer available, even from a chemist, but when I was a boy growing up in the industry, you could still buy them.

The process that I use for antique items is very tightly controlled and is as far removed from what you might find in a dry cleaners as is possible.

There are times, such as with the tunic that I am working on, that the cleaning process will considerably extend the life of the tunic rather than shorten it.
Just for you amusement, and although not Boer War, I thought you might like to see a photo or two of an officers hammock from the crimean war, that we rescued and restored. Before and afpter

Your Pictures.......

Mike

Several weeks down the line and the restoration of the Scots Guards Tunic is finally at an end. We have deliberately restored it trying to remove all smoke damage but to a condition that a hundred plus year old tunic should be in. You will see the cuff mblems befiore and after.

No polishing has taken place, just very careful use of a water atomisation gun, s steam gun and various strength acids .

Your Picture.....

Mike

Yes, photos taken today on my I Pad. The before photo, which for some reason has remained small was taken a month ago.

Hopward,

Thank you for the update and pictures. It is great to see what excellent progress you have made.