Starlyn, First we have to make sure you are talking about the right kind of
photographic process. If it is flaking it sounds more like an ambrotype than
a silver plated copper plate daguerreotype.

A dag will reflect like a mirror and if it is unprotected it will wipe off
since it is only a thin fumed on coat of mercury. The ambrotype is on glass
and looks like a negative out of the preserver and case. The lacquers on the
back will often flake, as well as, the emulsion at times. These collodian
images on glass are fragile and will continue their loss with changes in
temperature and humidity. The best bet is to create an environment that will
be stable and where handling will be kept to a minimum. Create an acid
free(nonbuffered) cardboard box or buy one exact to the size of the plate,
limit too your wrap as it may cause flaking in opening and closing around
the plate. Ambrotypes in good shape can be kept in small (to the size of the
plate)acid free envelopes bought at archival supply houses but should be
kept up right and in tight storage where plates will not fall or weigh down
on one another. If this is an important document in the collection do call
Eastman Kodak in Rochester or the Image Permanence Institute they will also
help with the stabilization of such media.

Best luck,
Kim Feinknopf-Dorrian
Ohio Historical Society
History Collections Department
1982 Velma Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 298-2052
[log in to unmask]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Starlyn D'Angel [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2000 10:44 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Daguerrotype storage materials
>
> Hello!
>
> Perhaps someone out there can help me.  I need to find a suitable
> material for housing a daguerrotype that no longer has a case.  The
> emulsion is flaking off so I'm looking for a non-abrasive material.
> Would the CRPP photographic paper (alpha cellulose, .006, neutralpH,
> sulpher and lignen free) produced by Conservation Resources be
> appropriate?  Thanks for your help.
>
> Starlyn D'Angelo
> Old Stone Fort Museum
>
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