Hello Everyone!

[amram]

Hello All,

I just joined the forum and have recently become interested in the collecting/preservation end of things.
I am presently interested in rations from the Korean war and earlier. As I flesh out my collection I will start thinking
about expanding to more recent eras. I have a few n00b questions to ask if anyone has the time and willingness to
lend some advice.

1. What is the available literature on collecting/history of military rations?
2. Are there particular sources for purchase I should be paying attention to? i.e. Ebay, forums, etc
3. In terms of preservation, what is the best way to store rations of this age?
4. Should I be weary of ppl passing repros as originals and is there an easy way to identify repros?

Any advice/tips/tricks/experiences you're willing to share would be greatly appreciated.
In addition,if you have any questions, fire away.

Best -

- Amram

[amram]

and.. a shout out to Housil and Carlosflar for helping me with an earlier question. Thanks Guys!

[ViperGTS]

Im fairly new as well...
1. This site is the best literature if you search the forums, the main page is full of info too. I wouldnt doubt there being some books out there or other web resources.
2. Lots of people here sell and trade new and vintage. There are some good sites that sell modern rations. One of which is www.foreignmre.com (no US made items) or www.mremountain.com but for the really old stuff ebay is likely best due to item rarity. But some people wayyy over price their stuff.
3. High (rodents) and dry at a constant low temp 50s to 70s. Some people even fridge or freeze items, but freeze can cause damage. Clean ammo boxes are good for storage or plastic totes that seal tight.
4. Oddly yes, there are fakes or repacked items out there. You will find misrepresented items too from sellers that dont know what they have and just take a guess. Do your research and ask here if you are going to be spending big dollars. The experts here have taught me tons and they can spot a fake instantly or help you ID an item.

I have lots to learn still, but i hope these answers are a little helpful. The pros here will correct me if im not being accurate

[amram]

Thanks for the excellent info Viper!

[carlosflar]

If you are going to preserve an old ration, my recomendation would be to put it, if its something small, wrapped in soft paper or similar and with some O2 absorbers and all in a zip bag, and in a cold place too... if you want it for display, you can empty the contents by a small hole and a lot of patience... If its something big, like a box or similar, it will depend on the item, but generally, dry, dark, cold and away from rats will be the best option, i'd also tace into consideration if you have things like sugar packets, humidity is the big killer, for cans and such, heat and rust(humidity again) and for boxes is stuff leaking inside
Mislabeled items are really common but i think usually everything is original... but check it properly to make sure you are getting the real deal

[Nimakdm]

Do people really have that big of an issue with rations and rodents.....? Where are you guys storing them?!?

[ViperGTS]

Im sure some people do...but i have personally only trapped one tiny field mouse that loved tostitos chips.
Some rations are pricey, so when amram mentioned he wanted to get older/rarer stuff, every precaution is worth it.
On the old rations, It seems bugs tend to be more of an issue than the rodents.

[Nimakdm]

Interesting thanks! Still learning a lot as I'm just getting into trying these with my 10yo. Right now my box full are in my bedroom closet haha.

[ViperGTS]

Great idea to experience the surprise of opening one up with your kiddo, im sure they will remember the experience for life. My boys are currently too young, but i plan on doing the same.

[amram]

Many thanks to everyone for all the advice, keeping my rations in a large humidity controlled gun safe for now!