The webbing part of this project is time-consuming, but I am riveted on my subject so I am enjoying it. I noticed that one of the Webbing questions asks if I am frustrated yet. I am not. I wish I had more time to devote solely to this task of expanding, enriching and organizing my knowledge, but I have work and another class to also tend to. I usually prioritize those tasks first so I leave the most fun one (this project) for last. Frankly, it's something I look forward to.
I took a step forward in the US= Militaria Forum resource yesterday and posted in the Preservation section inquiring if any of the collectors could direct me toward articles and sources. I received a great suggestion to try the Smithsonian website. I spent part of my afternoon on there, and, while there are a few articles, they are specific and concern topics that are not relative to my topic (albeit interesting, such as Mayan art and antique furniture). I did find a couple long PowerPoints on climate control in a museum area. There are a lot of graphs, charts and other visual aids that reveal the scientific side to preserving history. One particular presentation provided me very good information on ideal temperature and humidity levels for a museum or storage area. 70F +/- 4F is the ideal temperature range, and relative humidity is recommended to be at 45 +/-8%. Good to know!
I also continued with Google searching. I recalled an website I visited last semester on the topic of collecting Mosin Nagant rifles (Russian/Soviet origin, used 1891-post WWII). These old bolt-action rifles are common and collectible; I purchased my two in 2006 for ~$60 ea.; the 91/30 is dated 1914 and my m38 is from 1942. I was able to located this website again and found that there is a great section on general firearms/collection preservation. It includes letters/advice from many British museum curators on conservation and ethics of the field. I am still reading it, and it then applies the firearms field to a broader range of antiquities.
I am feeling that with these articles, online sources, and forum resources I have a pretty good grasp on the information available and the variance of practices and ethics. With my own collection at hand, I also have the opportunity for practical application here at my fingertips. While I need to wrap up for now and head to the gym, I am going to frame a couple goals for heading on to the Wiggling section:
*Define my philosophy on preservation/conservation.
*Differentiate between preservation/conservation/restoration and assess which best fits my needs and philosophy
*Critically evaluate the articles and resources I have printed here
*Begin thinking about the product that I will develop with this information
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