Self-webbing plastic

I am currently working on a George Nelson Bubble Lamp (Cigar Lamp),
distributed by the Howard Miller Clock Company.  Thin, metal ribs
create the shape of the lamp, in this case a cigar.  The entire
shape is covered with an off-white coating. I have not been able to
find much information on the coating.  Books on Nelson and the
Howard Miller web site refer to a material that was used to mothball
ships in 1947, but no manufacturer or product name is given.  Nelson
described it as a "self-webbing plastic" that is sprayed onto the
object.

FTIR is planned, but curatorial approval is pending.  Does anyone
have experience with this substance or Nelson lamps?

Cary Beattie Maguire
Conservation Intern, Objects Department
816-751-1353
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak Street
Kansas City
Missouri 64111


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:58
                   Distributed: Monday, March 8, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-17-58-015
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