Thanks to all those who responded with advice on marking firearms collections. Among those who suggested marking, it appears that consensus says to do so on the trigger guard with a substrate, ink or gouache, and a superstrate. The majority do not believe the substrate will significantly alter the finish. Some suggest marking all the removable parts. It is amazing how the consciousness of safety procedures has changes over the last coupleof decades. I spent a semseter working ina paleontology lab where acids, acetone and a host of other chemicals were handled casually. My liver will probably explore when I hit 55 . . . As usual the list is generous, helpful and collegial. My thanks. Byron A. Johnson, Exec. Dir. The Tampa Bay History Center [log in to unmask] after 2/26 @ The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum