Vinegar Syndrome: Breyer Shrinkies and Oozies

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My Swaps does look like one.

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Oh, yes, the dreaded shrinkies!   It's too bad, the older ones have a great "charm," but then they get the vinegar syndrome.

Although it is surely a terrible subject to collectors, I find these stories very interesting. Actually I enjoyed reading it. It remembers somewhat the decomposition of Clairet figures that Christophe reported in some topics. :)
Breyer has different material and manufacturing processes, there are some solide pvc figures and the stable mates in brittle plastic. I suppose these are free from that effect. :)
I am sure there are some ways to prevent these effects, why not to contact restorers that work in cinema museums? Thanks for sharing.

How terrible  

But good to know, and - as Roger says - interesting reading even if I shudder at the thought  

scary, great article and good information to know

If you don't already know this it's important to know that hard plastic and some soft rubbery plastics can contain incompatible materials. When stored together the soft plastic can cause melting of the hard plastic. For instance on Marx large scale horses with rubbery saddles and tack, the saddles and tack can leave melt marks if the tack is left on for years