Cathy, If you look at the intro to Chenhall's you will see that it tells you that even if and item is only part of a whole it should be classified under the whole name. That would be true with a uniform whether it's a single piece or the complete uniform. If you look in Chapter II Using Nomenclature under Parts, accessories, and fragments you will find a full explanation. As for the numbering, letters typically represent parts of objects that cannot be used outside of the whole (i.e. lid of a teapot, broken part) but for items that have multiply parts that could be used separately you should be using 1,2,3's. Your numbers should look like 2007.27.1.1, 2007.27.1.2, 2007.27.1.3 rather than 2007.27.1a, 2007.27.1b, 2007.1c. What often causes confusion is that references often talk about a "part of a whole" (a,b,c's) vs. a "set." (1,2,3s). Also remember that a set may have parts. I hope that isn't too confusing, but let me know if I was not clear Tracie Evans Collections Manager Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum PO Box 2570, Waco, TX 76706 254/750-8631 ________________________________ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Grant Gerlich Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 4:11 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Use of the word "Uniform" Cathy, It is a matter of what works best for you. There are object terms for each item that make up a uniform. If you have a military uniform consisting of a cap, shirt, tie, jacket and trousers you could put individual accession numbers on each piece and catalog each individually. I have always preferred to use term "Uniform" and use the same number with a-e suffix (as a unit) that way you know they all belong together just by looking at the accession number on the items. Thats the method we gravitated towards when I worked in a military museum. We had oodles of uniforms and limited time an resources (what else is new) so this method worked well for us. Good luck. Take care, Grant Grant Gerlich Executive Director Georgia's Old Capital Museum Milledgeville, Georgia (478) 453-1803 ________________________________ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2007 13:43:25 -0500 From: [log in to unmask] Subject: Use of the word "Uniform" To: [log in to unmask] Hi all, When you're cataloging a uniform and using Chenhall's Nomenclature, do you call it a uniform (then catalog each piece separately or as a unit) or do you call each piece of the uniform by name - jacket, pants, shirt, etc. - and write that it is part of a uniform in your description? Calling each piece of the uniform by name and giving each an accession number plus an A,B,C (or whatever) should show that the uniform has component parts even if it's not termed "uniform," right? Is there an accepted standard in the field? Our museum has done it both ways and there are pros and cons with each way. I'm trying to create a standard for us and I'm curious about what other museums do. Any thoughts? Cathy Osterman Curator of Collections CFD Old West Museum Cheyenne, WY ________________________________ Climb to the top of the charts! Play Star Shuffle: the word scramble challenge with star power. Play Now! <http://club.live.com/star_shuffle.aspx?icid=starshuffle_wlmailtextlink_ oct> ========================================================= 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). ________________________________ Peek-a-boo FREE Tricks & Treats for You! Get 'em! <http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us> ========================================================= 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).