Here are three hairpins that have been recovered from graves. Although they look strong they are corroded inside and quite fragile.
They are also more likely to corrode than metal objects that have never been buried in soil. Therefore they need mechanical support and a good environment to protect them for the future. Below are the simple steps to make an airtight storage box for these objects.
They are also more likely to corrode than metal objects that have never been buried in soil. Therefore they need mechanical support and a good environment to protect them for the future. Below are the simple steps to make an airtight storage box for these objects.
First we carefully draw around the objects on a piece of polyether foam.
A sharp scalpel is used to cut through two layers of foam and take out the centre so that all of the objects fit nicely below the surface.
A sharp scalpel is used to cut through two layers of foam and take out the centre so that all of the objects fit nicely below the surface.
A third piece of foam forms the base of the packing (the middle layer of foam is black).
The foam is placed inside a polythelylene box and the foam cutouts tested for size.
The box is deep enough for a top layer of foam and for a small packet of silica gel desiccant.
The box is deep enough for a top layer of foam and for a small packet of silica gel desiccant.
Finished! The hairpins can now be placed in the museum store or transported without risk of damage. The foam makes a soft cushion to stop the hairpins moving around in the box. The foam also reduced the amount of air (oxygen and water vapour) in the box - which reduces the risk of future corrosion.
