Cleaning and Preserving Found Artifacts: A Guide for Metal Detecting Enthusiasts

Introduction

Metal detecting is a popular hobby enjoyed by many individuals around the world. It allows people to uncover hidden treasures and artifacts buried beneath the soil. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a beginner, knowing how to properly clean and preserve these found artifacts is crucial in ensuring their longevity and historical value.

In this guide, we will discuss the importance of cleaning and preserving found artifacts, as well as provide you with some tips and techniques on how to do it effectively. From understanding different types of artifacts to choosing the right cleaning methods, let’s dive into the fascinating world of artifact preservation.

Why Clean and Preserve Found Artifacts?

When an artifact is uncovered after being buried for years or even centuries, it undergoes a process called “degradation.” Exposure to elements such as air, water, temperature fluctuations, and microorganisms can cause irreversible damage if not addressed promptly. Cleaning and preserving these artifacts not only helps maintain their physical appearance but also ensures that their historical significance remains intact.

By cleaning an artifact properly, you remove dirt, grime, corrosion products, and other contaminants that may obscure its true form. Preservation involves creating an environment that slows down deterioration processes like oxidation or biological decay. Properly cleaned and preserved artifacts are more likely to survive for future generations to appreciate.

Identifying Different Types of Artifacts

Before diving into specific cleaning techniques for different types of artifacts, it’s essential to understand what you might encounter during your metal detecting adventures:

1. Metal Objects: These include coins (both modern currency and those from antiquity), jewelry (rings, necklaces), buttons from clothing or uniforms used in various periods throughout history.
2. Pottery/Ceramics: Fragments of pottery vessels such as bowls or plates.
3. Glassware: Bottles used for medicine, alcohol containers (such as whiskey flasks), or decorative glass objects.
4. Tools and Weapons: Nails, knives, arrowheads, musket balls, or any other implements used in daily life or warfare.
5. Personal Items: These can range from everyday objects like combs or pocket watches to more sentimental items like lockets.

Each type of artifact requires unique cleaning methods to ensure its preservation. Let’s explore some commonly found artifacts and how best to clean them:

Cleaning Metal Objects

Metal objects are often the most common finds when metal detecting. Cleaning them requires a delicate touch as metals can be prone to corrosion and damage if not handled properly.

1. Coins: The first rule when handling coins is never to attempt cleaning valuable coins that may have numismatic value (value beyond just the metal content). For modern coins with no significant value other than their face value, gently rinsing them under running water with mild soap should suffice. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.

2. Jewelry: Similar to coins, valuable jewelry should not undergo any cleaning processes without consulting an expert first. For costume jewelry or pieces with no significant historical value, a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water can help remove dirt and grime trapped in crevices.

3. Buttons: Buttons made from various materials such as brass, tin, or bone require different approaches based on their fragility and condition. Gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush combined with mild soap is generally effective for removing dirt while minimizing potential damage.

Cleaning Pottery/Ceramics

Fragments of pottery vessels found during metal detecting excursions require special care due to their fragile nature:

1. Preliminary Steps: Before starting the cleaning process on pottery shards, allow them to dry completely if they are wet or damp from being buried underground.
2. Dirt Removal: Using a soft brush (such as a paintbrush), gently remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of the shard.
3. Soaking: If the pottery shard is heavily soiled or has stubborn dirt adhering to it, a gentle soak in warm water can help loosen dirt particles. Avoid using hot water, as it may cause thermal shock and damage the fragile piece.
4. Brushing: Once soaked, use a soft toothbrush or bamboo skewer to carefully remove any remaining dirt from crevices or delicate areas.
5. Drying: Allow the pottery shard to air dry completely before storing it in an appropriate container.

Cleaning Glassware

Glass objects found while metal detecting can be quite delicate and prone to breakage. Here’s how you should approach cleaning glass artifacts:

1. Preliminary Cleaning: Remove loose dirt and debris by gently rinsing the glass object under running water.
2. Soaking: Fill a container with warm water and mild dish soap, ensuring that the temperature change is gradual to avoid thermal shock. Place the artifact in the solution and let it soak for several hours or overnight.
3. Brushing: Use a soft-bristled brush (such as a toothbrush) to clean intricate details on the glass surface gently. Avoid applying excessive pressure that could lead to scratching or shattering of the artifact.
4. Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse off any soap residue with clean lukewarm water.
5. Drying: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth or allow it to air dry naturally.

Preserving Found Artifacts

After cleaning your found artifacts, preserving them correctly is crucial for their long-term survival:

1. Storage Materials: Choose storage materials that are acid-free, such as archival-quality boxes made of plastic or cardboard designed specifically for artifact preservation.
2. Climate Control: Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels in your storage area (ideally between 65-70°F with 40-50% relative humidity). Extreme fluctuations can accelerate deterioration processes.
3. UV Protection: Shield artifacts from direct sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation, as they can cause fading and degradation over time.
4. Handling: Always handle artifacts with clean hands or wear gloves to minimize the transfer of oils and dirt onto the objects.
5. Display Considerations: If you plan to display your artifacts, ensure they are protected from dust, moisture, and excessive light exposure. Use conservation-grade materials for mounting and framing.

Conclusion

Cleaning and preserving found artifacts is not only important for their physical appearance but also crucial in maintaining their historical value. By understanding different types of artifacts and employing appropriate cleaning methods, you can ensure that these treasures remain intact for future generations to appreciate.

Remember always to prioritize preservation over personal satisfaction when cleaning valuable or historically significant items. When in doubt about a particular artifact’s cleaning method or preservation technique, consult professionals experienced in artifact conservation to avoid any potential damage.

So grab your metal detector, head out on your next adventure, and treasure the past while ensuring its preservation for years to come!