We have a props cataloguing system for thirteen properties that relies on
the same accession form as "real" objects but doesnt get entered on the
property database. The props ("unreal") catalogue only lives within the
house and it contains all those things that get forgotten: how much $$,
where did we get it, the telephone number, etc. We also mark the props with
a props registration number beginning with a P to prevent them being
mistaken for artefacts by the next curator. Like those Pompeii and
Herculaneum furniture props that were manufactured in the the 1920s but
entered the Italians' "real"collection sometime in the 1990s...(reported in
Art Newspaper). Props are also expendable and breakage and loss doesnt
require an official notice. Props do require a bit of registration work.
Hope that helps...

Michael Bogle
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Historic Houses Trust
Sydney Australia

>     Friends,
>
>     We, as do many historic sites, have a number of exhibit props (fake
>     food, fake plant materials, seasonal decorations, etc.) that we wish
>     to keep track of but don't want to accession into the collection.  We
>     will probably create some sort of tracking system parallel to, but a
>     bit simpler than, our accession system.  What have you folks done
>     about this?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>     TIA
>
>     Linda
>
>     Linda Norbut Suits, Curator
>     Lincoln Home National Historic Site
>     413 South Eighth Street
>     Springfield, IL 62701-1905
>     USA
>
>     voice      217.492.4241 x239
>     Fax        217.492.4673
>     e-mail     [log in to unmask]
>     http       www.nps.gov/liho

Mike Bogle & Peta Landman
429 Riley Street
Surry Hills, Sydney
Australia 2010
(61) (2) 9212 7069