It seems that your comb is just drying up, in my museum we use neatsfoot oil
but I guess any animal fat i.e. lanoline would do, ask for more compleyte
advice especially on the ideal environmental conditions to Conservation on List.

 on In your message dated Saturday 12, September 1998 you wrote :
>         I have an intertersting conservatioing conservation problem.
>         I have recently encountered a tortoise-shell comb that is
> deteriorating from the edge of the handle, pndle, progressively over
> thpast five years. The material is craking in a geometric pattern and
> crumbling int a powder. The damage is progressing from one corner along
> the edge of the handle of the comb.
>         The comb has been kept in a plastic zip-lock bag in a drawer
> during the period of deterioration, in a private home that has been at
> room temperature but in uncontrolled relative humidity.
>         I would appreciate any suggestions on how to stabilize this piece
> and at least stop further deterioration.
>         Thanks!
>         Michael A Lewis
>         University of Alaska Museum
>

--
Dominique-Anita Rogers, BSc.
[log in to unmask]
Ganapati Kumari, Pin Mill, Ipswich, IP9 1JW, UK.