Practical Conservation of Archaeological Objects

Book excerpt: Master conservator Douglas R. Armstrong imparts his many years of first-hand, practical experience in the field of marine artifact conservation within the pages of "Practical Conservation of Archaeological Objects". This newly updated version for 2012 includes his methods of cleaning coins recovered from a number of shipwrecks, in particular the inventory of the Chanduy Reef Capitana, and the Consolacion in Ecuador. This is a manual of proven methods that all collectors, be they archaeologists or treasure hunters, at land or at sea, will find indispensable when restoring and conserving a wide range of objects, ranging from buttons, cannon, sword handles, or glassware, to pieces of eight. The author was the first craftsman to handle many objects hereto untouched by conservators of the day, not the least of which are delicate pistols, one of the first wrought iron guns, the original Tumbaga bars of the Bahamas, and a bronze saker made for King Henry VIII. The book is richly illustrated with before and after photos of these projects and is fully indexed. The technology and tools used are described in great detail. Truly, this is a manual that every conservator needs at hand.