Salt on glass

In response to the topic on condensation on the glass and ghosting
images. I have worked on collections of portrait miniatures for a
number of years. I have observed this same condition repeatedly in
these collections. It is much more pronounced as the ivory seems to
attract the moisture much more so than paper and the frame cases
have a much tighter seal than other frames.

The interesting point I would like to make is that this condition
are much more prevalent in 19th century French miniatures than any
other. In fact it is almost nonexistent in American and English
miniatures. This is some times contradicted but in my opinion, when
this occurs the glass may have been imported from France. It is most
prominent in round miniatures as they are usually continental. In
advanced stages it seems to progresses to crizzling of the glass
surface. I wonder if the conditions you are dealing with could be
related to the same conditions I am observing. Unfortunately I do
not have the qualifications or skills to analyze the deposits or the
glass I am working with. Hopefully I will acquire this in the
future. If I can be of any help with your project please don't
hesitate to contact.

Bill Wiebold
Wiebold Inc.
413 Terrace Place
Terrace Park, Ohio 45174
USA
1-800-321-2541


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:12
                 Distributed: Wednesday, July 16, 2003
                       Message Id: cdl-17-12-004
                                  ***