Saving Your Treasures: Firearms

PRINTABLE FILES

Types of Objects

FIREARMS

 

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Firearms, weapons, and other military items are functional objects that are often well used before they become heirlooms or museum objects. These objects can be made from many different materials, both inorganic and organic, including metals, wood, ivory, bone, fabric, leather, etc.

They are cared for by objects conservators or textiles conservators (for uniforms and flags). When in doubt, an objects conservator can help you determine who would be the most appropriate professional for advice and conservation. The videos below and handouts and websites on the right will guide you in the proper methods for preserving your items.

If you have any questions, ask a conservator.

Metals:
Origins & Properties		 Metals: Fabrication & Technology Metals:
Deterioration		 Metals:
Preventative Care
Harry Smith
and his Frontier Rifle
Plant Materials:
Structure		 Plant Materials:
Chemistry		 Plant Materials:
Technology		 Plant Materials:
Integrated Pest Management
Plant Materials: Deterioration -
Environmental & Mechanical		 Plant Materials: Deterioration -
Chemical & Biological		 Plant Materials:
Preventative
Care

TYPES OF OBJECTS

Books, Bibles, Scrapbooks Dishes, Glassware, Silverware Firearms Furniture Jewelry
Native American Items Natural History Specimens Newspaper Photographs
Textiles, Clothing, Uniforms Tools, Mechanical Objects, Instruments Toys Works of Art