[NHCOLL-L:4345] RE: Museum glass jars

[Moore, Simon]

Hi Molly,

What type of lid do these glass-stoppered jars have?  I suspect from the
description that they are ground glass and require a grease of some
sort?  If so, then we use a compound called Paraffin Soft White which is
a petroleum jelly type but not all greases of this type are suitable as
some are dissolved by alcohol and others become pilled by the same and
some silicone-based greases (Hi-Vac.) can solidify in time when in the
presence of alcohol.  PSW has been used by me for over 30 years now and
is always reliable and non-reactive.

If the lid is of a different type then I will need a more detailed
description or a photo.

Wire bail jars, as described by Emily Dock, are good but the gaskets can
require replacement every year if made of rubber (orange); the black
gaskets, made from EPDM (Ethylene-propylene-Diene-monomer) are more
long-lasting.

Might also be worth contacting Dixon Glass (UK) to see if they have a US
outlet.  www.dixonglass.co.uk since they do a fine range of museum jars.


With all good wishes, 
Simon Moore, MIScT, FLS, ACR,
Senior Conservator of Natural Sciences. 
Hampshire County Council,
Department of Culture, Communities and Rural Affairs,
Museums & Archives Service,
Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane,
Winchester SO23 8RD. UK.
Internal  8 327 6737
01962 826737
http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/biology 



-----Original Message-----
From: owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu
[mailto:owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Molly Hukari
Sent: 08 June 2009 18:13
To: NHCOLL-L at lists.yale.edu
Subject: [NHCOLL-L:4343] RE: Museum glass jars

Hello, all-

This thread is very timely for me. I am serving as a collections
management intern with the Maria Mitchell Association on Nantucket
Island. We have a small fluid collection that needs to be curated. I was
aware of the current use of wire bail jars for fluids but am having a
hard time locating a wholesale source in the US. Any suggestions?

Also, we have a few specimens in antique glass stopper bottles that need
to be curated. These specimens would be for display only, so given the
historical nature of the association, it may be nice just to fill them
up again and seal them. What is the best sealant to use in such a case?

Thanks for your help.

Molly J. Hukari
Collections Management Intern
Maria Mitchell Association
4 Vestal Street
Nantucket MA 02554