Hello,
We have a cradle scythe in our collections that has a broken piece.  It is
a support piece that goes between one of the tines and the handle.  The
two ends are brken off and still in holes, one in the tine and one in the
handle.  We still have the piece that was detached.  My question is what
is the accepted way of dealing with this in a museum?  Should we replace
it?  I have heard that this is not generally accepted in museums.  Should
we try to put the original back?  I don't think this is possible since it
is now too short.  Should a conservator do it or is it acceptable for a
staff member to do it?  It is owned outright by the museum, so there is no
loan/lender issue to consider.

Thank you.

Beau Harris

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