Guns and swords

This message is submitted on behalf of a co-worker, Linda Badger,
who is not on the list.

    Date: 2 Dec 1999
    From: Linda Badger <lbadger [at] ismhs__org>

    What is the proper way to treat metal objects such as firearms,
    swords, tools, etc. that may or may not have been handled by
    persons not wearing gloves?  Gun owners generally keep a gun
    cleaning cloth around that is impregnated with silicone and wipe
    the surfaces of the firearm every time it is handled.  I
    understood that it was not proper to use silicones in the museum
    environment.  Would wiping the surface with an oil remove the
    acids and oils in fingerprints?  What would remove the acids and
    oils in fingerprints?  Is there some standard preventative
    maintenance that should be done periodically on this type of
    objects?


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:36
               Distributed: Wednesday, December 22, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-13-36-010
                                  ***