I think you are over defining the object.  I believe a spudder is a drilling 
rig, primarily used in early shallow oil fields.  I assume it is a primarily 
wooden tower structure, with iron and steel castings and cables. Rather than 
look for a conservator with experience in spudders, look for one with 
experience in wooden industrial structures.



If it has been left outside for any length of time it will probably need 
restoration, rather than conservation.  Look for someone from the historic 
railroad community, a wagon, or windmill conservator/restoration specialist 
should be able to evaluate the piece and give you an idea of what is needed. 
In many cases the solution is to replace all the wooden parts.  This sounds 
extreme to curators used to fine art or other smaller pieces.  In reality, 
it is the way these objects were cared for when they were used to drill oil 
wells rather than educate the public.  We have a railroad car in a local 
collection which was rebuilt, and in the process had all the wood replaced 
at least twice in its service life.  Restoration will require replacing at 
least 30% of the wood.



At the other end of the spectrum, there have been some restorations of these 
artifacts by use of epoxy consolidators for the wood, and wax finishes for 
the iron, but unless the object is going to be stored and displayed indoors 
this not really appropriate.   Additionally, most objects like this have 
been allowed to deteriorate to a condition which does not represent their 
appearance when in use.  Conserving them, in this deteriorated state does 
not really educate the public about the oil business, instead it would be 
representative of a machinery junk yard.



Randy Hees

Patterson House at Ardenwood Farm

City of Fremont, California



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kristin Mravinec" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 8:32 AM
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Restoration of Spudder Rig


> We have an 1918 Wichita Fall Spudder, Model #66 rig in our collection that 
> the Board has decided to restore. It is a wooden rig with metal components 
> displayed outdoors without protection. I have been given an August 15th 
> deadline to come up with a conservator to serve as a consultant because we 
> are being considered for a centennial grant. Does anyone know of an 
> conservator or consultant who has experience working with rigs. I will be 
> checking AIC's website but wanted to narrow down some names first. If 
> needed, I can attach some photographs of the rig's poor condition.
>
> Kristin
>
> -- 
> Kristin Mravinec, Curator
> Greater Southwest Historical Museum
> 35 Sunset Drive
> Ardmore, OK 73401
> Phone: 580.226.3857
> Fax: 580.226.3857
> [log in to unmask]
>
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