Army Regulation 870-20, Museums and Historical Artifacts, states in
paragraphs 4-7, "Stable protective green patina brass and bronze objects
should not be disturbed."  Also, "Brass cannons are not routinely polished
for cosmetic reasons."  Concerning iron cannons (i.e., 3 inch Ordnance
Rifles, etc.), they are painted only to prevent corrosion.  Wooden gun
carrigages, limbers and caissons are painted only for protection.  We have a
M1841 6-Pounder in our museum and it has never been touched since we've had
it in our collection.

Sgt Maj Dan Sebby
The California Military Museum
Sacramento
-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Lantry <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.museum-l
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, July 09, 1998 2:38 PM
Subject: cannons


>Hello all. Does anyone out there have bronze American Civil War-era
>cannons (outdoor or indoors) in their care? If so, how do you take care of
>them (cleaning, polishing, waxes, coatings, etc.)? I'm interested to see
>what the standard is on this.
>
>Your input is most appreciated.
>
>-Doug
>
>........................................
>Doug Lantry
>The Ohio Historical Society
>Statehouse Education and Visitors Center
>Columbus, Ohio
>[log in to unmask]
>