>I disagree with marking the artifact as it diminishes the value of it.
>Photograph the collection for insurance and post-theft identification, but
>don't destroy the object! We (National Firearms Museum) have a fowler that
>belonged to Napoleon. I cannot imagine carving an accession number into this
>gun!

>What is the point of marking the gun with a product that can be reversed by
>theives? Isn't the only reason not to use tags is to discourage theft?
>
>BTW, Henry, do you want a tour of the vault while you are in town? Let me
>know so I can set it up.
>
>- Adrienne


Sure, I'd like that.

It has been proven that using reversible methods of applying museum numbers
to objects does not mar the surface nor does it deminish the value, or
destroy the object.  You don't etch the surface.  The whole idea of
applying the base coat before the ink goes on is to protect the object's
surface and to allow the process to be reversible.  The insuance industry
wholeheartedly agrees with accepted standards of museum practice of marking
the objects, and insurance professionals also agree that these methods do
not depreciate the value of the object.  Indeed, just being a part of a
museum collection often increases an object's monetary value.

Yes, museum numbering can be removed by thieves, and yes, you do also
photograph the object for identification purposes.  You also record the
serial numbers, proof marks, and any other identification devices on the
firearm.

Theft is discouraged through proper security procedures.  No security
system is foolproof, but if proper theft prevention practices and
security/risk management measures are in place, the prospect of theft need
not keep anyone awake at night, and the likelyhood of theft is
significantly diminished.  Many museum objects are stolen because of holes
in the museum's security procedures.  Law enforcement and insurance
professionals agree that all museum thefts could have been prevented had
certain security measures been in place and properly applied.  Few things
please insurance investigators and police departments more than seeing
museum objects properly numbered, identified, and securly stored or
exhibited.

Henry B. Crawford        Curator of History
[log in to unmask]     Museum of Texas Tech University
806/742-2442           Box 43191
FAX 742-1136             Lubbock, TX  79409-3191
*********All opinions expressed are mine**********