Tips, Tips and More Tips from April 2009

Vintage handbags should be stored away from sunlight, heat, dust and humidity. Store in fabric bags to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which damages Lucite and Bakelite.

 Paper ephemera like trade cards, photographs, books, signs and letters that were made before 1950 rarely fluoresce under a black light. Paper made after 1950 contains many bleaches and dyes and will fluoresce.

Never use toothpaste as a silver polish. Some have baking soda and other abrasive ingredients.

Keep your collection of glassware away from the speakers of your sound system. Heavy bass and high-pitched sounds can crack glass.