The conservators at the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Virginia, are working with very large rusted iron fragments of the Monitor--in tanks of water, in work procedures, and on exhibit. I recommend you contact them. http://www.mariner.org John Pearce James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library University of Mary Washington >>> [log in to unmask] 10/5/2004 9:27:32 AM >>> We have a vary large Ensign Valve from a dam (62-67 tons) and it will be on display in a park. Although the valve worked in the water, exposing it to air/environment will create rust. Do any one know what you would put on to artifact to protect this large chuck of metal? Was thinking of the tannic acid mix with a coating of paste wax, but likely something better out there on the market. Thanks in advance. John Martinson Museum Specialists Snake River Area Office-Boise ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).