For Fellow Collectors
Caring for vintage labels
A few hard-won lessons for building and preserving a collection of original crate art.
Insist on originals
True labels are lithographed on period paper with a subtle texture. Modern reprints look too clean and sit flat under raking light.
Store flat and dry
Keep labels flat in acid-free folders away from humidity. Rolling or folding causes cracks that cannot be undone.
Guard against light
Direct sunlight fades the vivid inks quickly. Display copies, not originals, and rotate anything on show.
Handle by the edges
Oils from skin stain paper over time. Use clean, dry hands or cotton gloves and hold each label by its margins.
Document everything
Record the brand, grower, country and approximate date. Provenance adds both meaning and value to a collection.