The first step was to ascertain the metal from which the casket was made. For this I used the XRF machine on each exterior panel, and the test revealed a very high iron reading, showing that the casket was indeed constructed from iron or steel. (Fig 4)

The interior of the casket was mainly bare oxidised metal, showing remains of a dark red coating in places, and it was suggested that this might be lead paint. If this were true, precautions would need to be taken, however an XRF reading of the area showed no lead, leading me to conclude that the coating may be a wax.

In order to analyse this substance, a small sample was prepared for the FTIR spectrometer, and the results were compared to examples in the IRUG (Infrared and Raman Users Group) online database¹¹¹, showing that the substance was a natural wax. This could have been added as a protective coating at some point in the casket’s history but was now considerably degraded.

Finally, the client had requested that the locking mechanism in the lid should be cleaned in order that it could be used, so I took the casket to the conservation department at Fishbourne Roman Palace which has an X-ray photography machine. This technique enabled me to see some hidden parts of the locking mechanism, which would help with the cleaning process. (Fig 5.)

Luckily, I was able to compare the casket with photographs taken from before ‘the incident’. This was especially useful in helping to determine the extent of the new damage, and how far the treatment should be taken.

Before treatment of the casket, I carried out some chemical tests on steel tokens, using both citric acid, and acetic acid in 20% w/v with de-ionised water solutions. The tokens were submerged for 5h before any reaction could be seen, however I decided not to use this method as the removal of the corrosion was not even. I also carried out similar tests using Biox Conservation Liquid™ and Evaporust™ but judged these to be too harsh and as before, the result was uneven. In both cases it would require the casket to be submerged, and would risk damage to the wax coating on the interior of the casket.

As a result of the tests, I decided to go forward with mechanical cleaning, which is more controllable and localised, allowing for the variations in damage. I began the treatment on an interior panel which had been removed prior to ‘the incident’, leaving it exposed to water. (Fig 6)

I used a stiff bristle brush to remove the loose rust flakes, then IMS (industrial methylated spirits) and a bristle brush to dislodge the remaining orange powder.

Once most of the new rust had been removed, I could see that it had formed mainly on old areas of black corrosion which had developed at some point in the object’s past. These areas had now become more textured, so were gently rubbed with Garryflex™ fine abrasive eraser (240 grit) to return the surface to its previous texture without removing the old black inactive corrosion layer.

As the new corrosion had left a light texturing on the metal surface, Peek™ polishing cream was tested and produced a clean but not highly polished result, so this was used lightly all over the panel, and removed by swabbing with IMS. Finally, Renaissance wax™ was brushed sparingly over the surface to seal the panel, and the client was happy with the result. (Fig 7 and 8)

The new corrosion was removed from the exterior using the same procedure as before, minus the Peek™ treatment, as this chalky polish can prove difficult to remove from engraved and etched objects. Examination of the treated panels showed similarly that the new corrosion had developed mainly on previously damaged areas. Using the photographs as reference, I could see that this had resulted in small areas of new damage to the detailed etching. (Fig 9)

Once most of the new corrosion had been removed from the exterior, I returned to the affected areas with my trusty Optivisor for some close-up scalpel cleaning, using a blunt scalpel and clock oil as a lubricant.

Apart from a few small areas which had suffered new damage to the etchings, the treatment had achieved the aim of removing accumulated residues and corrosion, and for the most part the exterior was returned to its condition before ’the incident’.

Finally, an assessment of the locking mechanism in the lid revealed that some powdery corrosion had developed, and the same waxy substance which was evident in the interior was also present here (Fig. 11). The substance had probably been applied in the past as protection, however in time it had hardened and begun to degrade, attracting dust which in turn would attract moisture leading to corrosion. After discussion with the client, it was decided that leaving this coating in place would be detrimental to the long term stability of the object. In addition to the danger of encouraging corrosion, it was also unlikely to be an original feature and was impeding the locking mechanism, which in time might seize up.

Initial mechanical cleaning with a scalpel dislodged some of the residue, however as some parts were difficult to access, I decided to test a corner with white spirit and a bristle brush. This method was more successful in softening the hardened layers of wax, however was still time consuming, so I needed a method of soaking the entire interior of the lid to speed up the process. As there were no organic elements to the lid of the casket, I decided that soaking in white spirit would not be detrimental to the object.

I set the treatment up in the fume cupboard, and supported the casket under the body and hinges, with the lid in a downward position which allowed the locking mechanism to be easily accessed. The interior of the lid was gently soaked with white spirit using a wash bottle, then intermittently agitated with a bristle brush, loosening most of the wax making it possible to wash away the residues. The remainder of the wax was removed with a 1:10 Vulpex™ to white spirit solution brushed with a bristle brush. As Vulpex™ is strongly alkaline, great care was taken to wash away all the residue with white spirit.

Before applying the protective wax coating, the exterior was gently rubbed with 0000 wire wool to remove loose powder rust and the casket was sealed in an airtight container with the correct amount of Silicagel™ over a weekend to make sure it was completely dry. One coat of Renaissance Wax™ was sparingly applied all over the box, then lightly buffed with tissue.

For the main part, I was able to return the casket to its prior condition, with only some small areas where the corrosion had affected the delicate etching, and the client was happy with the results.

This project provided interesting challenges involving a variety of surfaces, also enabling me to extend my knowledge of the analytical techniques used in conservation science. It demonstrated the critical importance of testing before treatment, and taking detailed notes, and a good relationship with the client also allowed a constant dialogue. I was very happy that Tim, being a conservation professional, was pleased with the finished result (Fig 12).

¹ - The Nuremberg casket held at the V & A.
¹¹ - Nuremberg casket sold by Christie’s in 2018.
¹¹¹ - Infrared and Raman online spectral database.
¹ͮ  - Canadian Conservation Institute technical notes on tannic acid treatment.