IDENTIFICATION
Catalog number: CHIR 427
Object: Ashtray
Material: Metal
Treatment performed by: Ali Wysopal, conservation technician
Exam Date: 6/12/2019
Treatment Report: 7/23/2019
Measurements: L. 11.3 cm W. 11.4 cm D. 1 cm
Image courtesy of the Western Archeological and Conservation Center
DESCRIPTION: from the ICMS record: "COPPER PLATED?. ENGRAVE, STAMPED DESIGN ON THE EDGES. ROUND .4 NOTCHES IN RIM C88.087."
CHIR 426 is a copper ashtray. The rim has four notches and engraved decorative symbols. The interior of the object also has an engraved image of a forest and mountain landscape.
Image courtesy of the Western Archeological and Conservation Center
Image courtesy of the Western Archeological and Conservation Center
CONDITION: Loose dirt and dust are present. The surface has an overall mottled appearance ranging from brown to copper color due to variation in patina, in addition to black and green spots of corrosion on the interior surface. The interior and exterior surfaces have a streaky quality, which appears to be etched into the surface. Spot tests were preformed on the exterior side to identify a potential coating using swabs of acetone and mineral spirits, however, no coating was detected. Scratches are present throughout the surfaces and areas of possible fatigue are present on the exterior bottom surface.
Image courtesy of the Western Archeological and Conservation Center
Image courtesy of the Western Archeological and Conservation Center
TREATMENT PROCEDURE:
1. Dry cleaned dust from the surface with a vacuum and micro-attachment brush.
2. Removed the catalog number with swabs of acetone.
3. Cleaned dirt and grime from the surfaces with swabs of acetone.
4. Reduced loose corrosion throughout the surfaces with a stiff bristle brush and swabs of acetone. Where needed, reduced corrosion using fine grit (8000 and/or 120,000 grit) micro-mesh swabs, without solvent.
5. Warmed the ashtray in a laboratory oven set to 90ºC and applied a micro-crystalline wax coating in Naptha solvent.
6. Reapplied catalog number by printing on archival paper and adhered it with Rhoplex acrylic adhesive.
Date of completion of treatment: 6/26/2019