Preservation also means documenting condition and environment over time

Store the item in an environment reasonably stable and compatible with its materials, avoiding extremes of temperature, humidity, light and contaminants.

A private collection does not need to become a museum, but rapid changes and clearly damaging conditions should be avoided.

Periodically photograph finishes, metal parts, plastics and areas already showing issues. If a crack, corrosion spot or deformation changes, you will have a real comparison.

Condition records over time improve the quality of the item’s history, even when no intervention is performed.