>A donor is bringing by a leather civil war cartridge box...
 >it has suffered some water damage and has some mold building up on it.
 >We'd like to take in the item, but want to know how to begin preserving
it immediately...

The object could be stored in a transparent barrier film envelope with a
moisture-neutral oxygen scavenger. Although the oxygen-free atmosphere
would not destroy the mold, the lack of oxygen will keep it from growing or
spreading. Other chemical reactions that need oxygen to proceed would also
be halted. The object could be safely isolated, stored, and observed until
a conservator is able to examine it.

You might also include a container of silica gel (or some similar material)
that has been tempered to the final humidity you want the sealed envelope
to stabilize to.

More information on barrier films and oxygen scavengers may be found at:
www.keepsafe.ca

js
Jerry Shiner
Object & Textile Conservation Services Ltd.   O/A
Keepsafe Systems & Forever Yours Gown Bridal Preservation
Visit www.gowncare.com

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