How to preserve an artifact

The Double D · 19th July 2006, 06:45 PM

I have the is Zulu Spear head artifact and I want to preserve it. What do you reccomend?

Tim Simmons · 19th July 2006, 08:11 PM

I would leave it as it is , just clean it now and again with steel wool and oil just to keep the rust at bay.

IainN · 19th July 2006, 09:18 PM

Ren. wax if you don't want to keep oiling.

katana · 19th July 2006, 09:57 PM

I think the easiest part to preserve is the metal work, as Tim and IainN have both pointed out. The shaft is a different matter, ....I myself would be interested in the best methods to prevent deteriation of the wood. A few are fairly obvious.... for instance a spear or knobkerrie 'propped up' against the wall is likely to warp. Heat and humidity can seriously damage wood, causing cracking, shrinkage etc. Most protective products would adversely affect the origional look and patina.......has anyone any suggestions?
Also, leather sheaths/scabbards and leather bindings .....is it OK to use 'leather cleaners and conditioners' if they are 'age hardened'....again any ideas...

DD I hope you don't think I'm hi-jacking your post.... but I think my questions are worth asking....

IainN · 19th July 2006, 11:19 PM

A natural beeswax would work on wood (it's also used as a polish on antique furniture).

For leather Pecard’s or a similar preservative. I'd stay away from any sort of leather cleaner as it might be mildly abrasive.

katana · 19th July 2006, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainN

A natural beeswax would work on wood (it's also used as a polish on antique furniture).

For leather Pecard’s or a similar preservative. I'd stay away from any sort of leather cleaner as it might be mildly abrasive.

Thankyou for the advice

Rick · 20th July 2006, 12:15 AM

Stuff we have in the States called Leather Therapy is a great product.

www.leathertherapy.com

I have a pair of 40+year old Belstaff MC boots that are like new thanks to this product . I use it on all my old dried out leather scabbards ; it actually makes the leather stronger .

The Double D · 20th July 2006, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katana

...
DD I hope you don't think I'm hi-jacking your post.... but I think my questions are worth asking....

Nope well with in the scope of the idea of my post. One leads naturally to the other.

19th July 2006, 06:45 PM	#1
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	How to preserve an artifact I have the is Zulu Spear head artifact and I want to preserve it. What do you reccomend?

19th July 2006, 08:11 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,739	I would leave it as it is , just clean it now and again with steel wool and oil just to keep the rust at bay.

19th July 2006, 09:18 PM	#3
IainN Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 31	Ren. wax if you don't want to keep oiling.

19th July 2006, 09:57 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	I think the easiest part to preserve is the metal work, as Tim and IainN have both pointed out. The shaft is a different matter, ....I myself would be interested in the best methods to prevent deteriation of the wood. A few are fairly obvious.... for instance a spear or knobkerrie 'propped up' against the wall is likely to warp. Heat and humidity can seriously damage wood, causing cracking, shrinkage etc. Most protective products would adversely affect the origional look and patina.......has anyone any suggestions? Also, leather sheaths/scabbards and leather bindings .....is it OK to use 'leather cleaners and conditioners' if they are 'age hardened'....again any ideas... DD I hope you don't think I'm hi-jacking your post.... but I think my questions are worth asking....

19th July 2006, 11:19 PM	#5
IainN Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 31	A natural beeswax would work on wood (it's also used as a polish on antique furniture). For leather Pecard’s or a similar preservative. I'd stay away from any sort of leather cleaner as it might be mildly abrasive.

20th July 2006, 12:15 AM	#7
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	Stuff we have in the States called Leather Therapy is a great product. www.leathertherapy.com I have a pair of 40+year old Belstaff MC boots that are like new thanks to this product . I use it on all my old dried out leather scabbards ; it actually makes the leather stronger .