Good advice, David! You've put it very succinctly.

Harry Needham
Special Advisor - Program Development
Canadian War Museum
330 Sussex Drive,
  Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0M8
Voice: (819) 776-8612  Fax (819) 776-8623
Email: [log in to unmask]

> ----------
> From:         HARVEY DAVID ... COLLECTIONS[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     Museum discussion list
> Sent:         Friday, July 10, 1998 8:38 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: cannons
>
> Outdoor bronze Cannon should be treated just the same as outdoor bronze
> sculpture.  They need to be examined at least once or twice a year and
> their condition documented.  If previously cleaned and coated with wax the
> surface needs a light re-cleaning and reapplication and buffing of wax.
> The stable green patina should never be disturbed unless there is an
> overriding need to clean because of the formation of active corrosion
> products.  I would not recommend painting a bronze cannon unless it is
> going to be unattended and unmonitored for long periods of time (years).
> That would be the same effect as painting the verdigris surface of the
> Statue of Liberty!  It is especially important to regularly inspect the
> wooden carriages and look for signs of damage:  ie., rot, splitting of the
> wood, etc.  If not maintained the carriages can collapse under the weight
> that they bear.
>
> The only problem with outdoor Cannon is that there are spots that are
> problematic to reach due to their being mounted on their carriages - you
> have to be somewhat of a gymnast to reach some recessed areas.  I would
> also caution about leaving one parked in the shade.  You actually want to
> have them exposed to significant amounts of sunlight so the condensation
> and rain will dry and not remain on the surface to cause corrosion.  We
> have two cast iron Cannon tubes under an outdoor shed that are corroding
> terribly and we have an identical pair that have been out in the sun that
> are in excellent condition.
>
> If there is a significant problem then contact your local conservator who
> is experienced in outdoor sculpture for advice.  You can contact the AIC
> for a free referral listing of conservators in your area:  [log in to unmask]
>
>
> Cheers!
> Dave
>
> David Harvey
> Asscoiate Conservator,
> Metals & Arms
> The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
> P.O. Box 1776
> Williamsburg, Virginia  23187-1776  USA
> Voice:   757-220-7039
> E-Mail:  [log in to unmask]
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:   Doug Lantry [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent:   Thursday, July 09, 1998 5:35 PM
> To:     [log in to unmask]
> Subject:        cannons
>
> Hello all. Does anyone out there have bronze American Civil War-era
> cannons (outdoor or indoors) in their care? If so, how do you take care of
> them (cleaning, polishing, waxes, coatings, etc.)? I'm interested to see
> what the standard is on this.
>
> Your input is most appreciated.
>
> -Doug
>
> ........................................
> Doug Lantry
> The Ohio Historical Society
> Statehouse Education and Visitors Center
> Columbus, Ohio
> [log in to unmask]
>