Jennifer,

I'd suggest placing it in the tub but with only fresh water.  This will slowly draw out the salt in the artifact which is half the battle.  The water will need to be repeatedly changed and it is best if you have ways to test the water for chlorides (sodium chloride = salt) so that you know when no more salt is coming out of the wheel.  This may take a long time!

Then you'd need to preserve the wood and this depends largely on if there is metal with the wooden wheel as well.  However, there are various ways to treat waterlogged wood.  You can read about the various methods (PEG, Acetone/Rosin, Sucrose, etc.) at [log in to unmask] which is the Texas A&M Underwater Archeology Program and they've been a big help to our underwater wood preservation endeavors.

Good Luck,
Josh K. Headlee
Preservation Technician
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Preservation Laboratory

Preservation Laboratory
2600 Hwy 155 S.W.
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Phone:  770-389-7811
Fax:      770-389-7813

>>> "Jennifer Y. Madden" <[log in to unmask]> 8/20/2007 10:08:26 am >>>
Hello All:

I serve on the local Historical Commission, and one of our members was 
recently researching an old cartway and two bridges that led from a local 
brickworks, across a salt marsh, to the glass factory which was previously 
located in our town. During this work she recovered an old cart/wagon wheel 
from the saltwater creek near one of the bridge sites. She currently has the 
wheel in a tub of salt water at her home. She has asked my advice on how to 
preserve it and I have no clue. Any advice on what to do with this find would 
be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Jennifer Madden

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