Basket care- Help!

Good morning!

I have a jug that is covered with a basket that is falling apart. The basket part is so dry and brittle that it just breaks off if you touch it and I'm not sure what to do to keep it from getting further damaged. I have no idea how to care for old baskets.

The jug belonged to my GGG grandfather and he brought it with him when he immigrated in 1853. I'm not sure exactly how old it is as that is the only info I have to date it.

I'd love to be able to keep it from further ruin but don't want to do the wrong thing and make it worse. Any advice?

-Joy

 

Others may have more specific advice (@Taupou ? ); but one thing that is safe and easy is to moisturize it. Boil a pot of water, rotate the jug in the steam until it is not quite so dry. This won't fix any existing damage, but will reduce brittleness and help prevent future damage.

 

Welcome to the forum, Joy.
I hope someone will know a good solution. With a family history like that, it is priceless and deserves tlc.

 

WELCOME Jay !!! ... Joy.

 

Hi Joy!

Welcome to Antiquers!

 

Maybe , a light dusting first......& then get moisture back into it...

 

Thanks guys! I'll try the steam. I figured it needed moisture but wasn't sure how to do it without messing it up.

 

When you've cleaned and steamed it, give it a spray with hairspray. I kid you not.

 

Won’t dust stick to the hairspray?

 

Not if you use good quality stuff. Something like Elnett.

 

I use Elnett on all sorts of things. Anything, except my hair.

 

Thank's, I would never have know that since I am a wash-and-wear hair kind of person

 

Me too, but I know some tricks.

 

there are multiple online sources/opinions on care and cleaning of baskets. here's one with multiple suggestions:
http://basketmakers.com/topics/collect/collectcareindex.htm

 

Thanks for the tips and learning something new again TC and OBB!!! That link went right into my Bookmarks!!!!

 

A good image of the neck, top and bottom markings(if any) will give a good start on identifying. Please hit “full image” when posting. Is there a seam on the sides?

Here are three good sites to start with.

https://ourpastimes.com/identify-old-bottles-jars-12127152.html

https://sha.org/bottle/

https://hobbyzeal.com/guide-to-identify-antique-glass-bottles