We are working on a collection of early trade silver (how early is not
determined yet).  Some of the necklaces are made from a combination of beads
and silver and are strung together with copper wire.   The wire is corroding
in some areas.   Obviously the thing to do is remove the wire and restring
thenecklaces on an inert material.  I am trying to find out whether the wire
was the original connection or whether the necklaces were restrung or
constructed at a later date.   Does anybody out there know when copper wire
was "invented" and/or does anybody out there have examples of trade silver
necklaces strung together with anything other than copper wire.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Carol Mayer
Curator
UBC Museum of Anthropology
fax: 604-822-8224