if you can't get hold of a proper trained professional conservator, i would have a chemist look at the grease to find out what it is, first, then maybe recommend something safe to remove it with -
are there no conservation/costodial notes with them, identifying the substance?
putting them in a plastic bag might just cause them to get mouldy or something; if they've survived since the 60s in a cardboard box, why not just put them in a new box? if they're stable as they are, don't mess with 'em

"Christine Garst" <[log in to unmask]> schrieb:
> I'm hoping that someone out there can help me with a conservation
> problem that I have.  I have came across a box of shoes (fragments and
> near complete) that was recovered from Historic Fort Hays (1865-1889)
> during excavation in the late 1960's.  The shoes are, unfortunetly,
> covered in what appears to be either axel grease or candle wax/tallow or
> both.  They give off a strong odor of wax, but look and feel very
> greasy.  I can't continue to leave them in the box as they are as that
> has been soaking up the grease also.  As I see it I have two options:
> 
> 1. Should I leave the shoes the way they are?  If so, could they be
> placed in plastic bags to contain the mess and smell or would the
> plastic bags react poorly with the grease/wax?
> 
> 2.  If the grease/wax should be removed from the shoes what type of
> cleaner or solvent could be used to clean them?
> 
> Can anyone out offer a solution to my dilemma?
> 
> Thank you very much,
> Chris Garst
> Kansas State Historical Society
>