Jeanine, 19th century swords & scabbards are objects fabricated from a complex of materials which can include steel, brass, silver, tinplate, gilding, wire, wood, leather, shagreen (sharkskin), and sometimes textiles. The rule in storing, preserving and conserving multi-component objects is to aim for stabilizing the object in regard to its most sensitive and reactive material. In this case the organic materials in the object would be ones I would be the most concerned about. An illustration of this principle would be to provide adaquate storage in consideration of any light-reactive materials even if the bulk of the object is composed of a steel blade. You have to be extremely cautious when handling and dealing with extremely deteriorated materials such as you describe ("crumbling leather"?). Your best bet is to leave things as they are for the time being (unless the objects are getting drenched by a leaking roof or are getting baked-out by a heat source), do not even try to "Dust" these things as even light mechanical cleaning will probably dislodge more of the organic material. Call several nearby conservators for advice. You won't be able to do much over the phone, they will definitely have to see the pieces. Even though you may not have $$$$ for a full-blown treatment, a conservator can help you with storage suggestions and materials to at least slow down the rampant deterioration. This sounds like a case which is probably beyond the scope of folks who are not conservators because of the multiple materials involved and the extent of the problem. What I can offer you and your colleagues are a series of free conservation care brochures which my department developed several years ago. Just send me your snail-mail address and I'll get them off in the mail to you. Best Wishes, Dave David Harvey Conservator of Metals & Arms Colonial Williamsburg Foundation P.O. Box 1776 Williamsburg, VA 23185 USA voice: 804-220-7039 e-mail: [log in to unmask]