>I disagree with marking the artifact as it diminishes the value of it. >Photograph the collection for insurance and post-theft identification, but >don't destroy the object! We (National Firearms Museum) have a fowler that >belonged to Napoleon. I cannot imagine carving an accession number into this >gun! >What is the point of marking the gun with a product that can be reversed by >theives? Isn't the only reason not to use tags is to discourage theft? > >BTW, Henry, do you want a tour of the vault while you are in town? Let me >know so I can set it up. > >- Adrienne Sure, I'd like that. It has been proven that using reversible methods of applying museum numbers to objects does not mar the surface nor does it deminish the value, or destroy the object. You don't etch the surface. The whole idea of applying the base coat before the ink goes on is to protect the object's surface and to allow the process to be reversible. The insuance industry wholeheartedly agrees with accepted standards of museum practice of marking the objects, and insurance professionals also agree that these methods do not depreciate the value of the object. Indeed, just being a part of a museum collection often increases an object's monetary value. Yes, museum numbering can be removed by thieves, and yes, you do also photograph the object for identification purposes. You also record the serial numbers, proof marks, and any other identification devices on the firearm. Theft is discouraged through proper security procedures. No security system is foolproof, but if proper theft prevention practices and security/risk management measures are in place, the prospect of theft need not keep anyone awake at night, and the likelyhood of theft is significantly diminished. Many museum objects are stolen because of holes in the museum's security procedures. Law enforcement and insurance professionals agree that all museum thefts could have been prevented had certain security measures been in place and properly applied. Few things please insurance investigators and police departments more than seeing museum objects properly numbered, identified, and securly stored or exhibited. Henry B. Crawford Curator of History [log in to unmask] Museum of Texas Tech University 806/742-2442 Box 43191 FAX 742-1136 Lubbock, TX 79409-3191 *********All opinions expressed are mine**********