For those who WOULD like some reading materials:

Conservation Online
http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/

NPS Managing Archaeological Collections
http://www.cr.nps.gov/aad/collections/index.htm

NPS Conservograms
http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/cons_toc.html

Texas A&M onLine Conservation Manual
http://nautarch.tamu.edu/class/ANTH605/File0.htm




On Mon, 28 Mar 2005 20:09:37 -0500, Ron May <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Brass, copper, and other cuprous metals suffer from "bronze rot" that is
> similar to ferrous rust and should be treated by a professional conservator. Once
> removed from an archaeological context, the rot or corrosion can excellerate
> with exposure to fluctuating environments. The worst thing to do is attempt to
> clean it with Brasso or some other metal cleaner, as it will just damage the
> metal. Conservators attempt to terminate corrosive processes and create a
> patina that will stabilize the metals. Another serious issue can be salts that
> crystallize once the metal is removed from its anaerobic moist environment, as the
> crystals force the brittal metal to crack. Again, removal of salts is a
> delicate matter that should be conducted by trained conservators. If you cant
> afford a conservator, then leave the item alone and mark the container with a flag
> that places high priority on conservation when funds do become available.
>
> Ron May
> Legacy 106, Inc.
>


--
Smoke Pfeiffer
845 Cagle Rock Road
Russellville, Ar. 72802

"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity."
---Sigmund Freud, General Introduction to Psychoanalysis---