Here at the Australian War Memorial accession numbers are applied to
firearms with Indian ink onto a coating of either Paraloid (Acryloid) B-67
or B-72, followed by another sealing coat. The number is usually applied to
the trigger guard of the firearm, or the trigger itself if there is no
guard. It is important to be consistent with the position of number because
this can reduce the amount of necessary handling when trying to identify
the object. It can also prevent a lot of confusion. The choice of position
is one that is fairly inconspicuous when the firearm is on exhibition.

Paraloid and Indian ink will not harm any metal finish that I have come
across, and as long as it is applied to a clean, oil & grease-free surface,
it should adhere quite well. Obviously, the method is not permanent, as the
appropriate solvent will remove the paraloid & the ink with it. Any
remaining evidence of the marking that may occur would result from
additional corrosion protection provided by the Paraloid film compared to
the surrounding metal. To permanently mark the firearm would require either
etching or engraving of the metal or furniture (wood or plastic stock), and
besides being unethical, this would devalue the firearm.

Because the Paraloid/ink system is not permanent, it is also important to
have adequate records of the firearm including serial numbers, model
numbers, proof marks, manfacturers markings, etc. as well as good quality
photographs.


George Bailey
Objects Conservator
Australian War Memorial

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