Workbasket - bits and pieces

The number in brackets on the cover of the early issues refers to the transfer pattern sheet that would have been mailed in the same envelope.

Early issues that have not been cut or slip open are worth more to the collector.

1947 began to see the first stapled copies.

STORING VINTAGE PAPER

Many copies look to be badly age stained – a large rectangle of darker tan brown. This comes from being stored right next to the transfer sheet.  I recommend storing your issues in archival containers. Plastic sleeves are available from comic book collector stores. If you want to store the issue with the transfer sheet, place a piece of archival ( acid free) card stock between them . Card stock is easily available in acid free archival quality from office supply stores - It is used to make business cards, report covers and much more. As an added bonus - you can print some of the information about the issue onto the card stock with your computer and home printer.

Acid free tissue paper – double or triple thickness would also do well and is available in quilting shops or suppliers for storing vintage fabrics

Plastic sleeves for 3 ring binders are also good but be careful - they are not always archival quality. It is well worth a little extra expense for acid-free archival quality Even the less expensive type will allow the paper to breath and will do very well for short term storage such as going to a collector fair or a swap show. They are also an easy way to store, carry and display your Workbasket magazines and protect them from dirty hands.

Again, acid free tissue paper would be very useful here as a liner between the paper and the plastic.

As prices for these wonderful little magazines soar, it is well worth a little extra expense to protect your collection. It is getting more and more difficult to replace missing issues or to complete collections.

Using Postit Notes - or the no name kind - as bookmarks is not not not recommended. When they are removed they will take some of the print ink with them. The longer they are in the books, the worse the damage when taking them out. I learned this the hard way.