Mending plates

We have recently begun experiencing problems with the bending of
"so-called brass" mending plates recently ordered from Brainerd.
Upon contacting the company we learned that the they have changed
suppliers and that the mending plates are no longer actually brass,
rather they are "brass-colored mending plates."  As bending of the
mending plates is "not considered a usage of the plates" Brainerd
was not responsive to the problem.  I also contacted Conservation
Support Systems who, as it turns out, also orders mending plates
from Brainerd and has been experiencing the same problem with new
orders.   After calling several local hardware stores it begins to
appear as though Brainerd has cornered the mending plate market.
Does anyone have an alternative supplier of *real* brass mending
plates?

Charlotte Seifen
Mellon Fellow, Paintings conservation
Balboa Art Conservation Center


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:55
                    Distributed: Friday, May 5, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-13-55-012
                                  ***