A. Lucas, 10/6/43: Notes on work done on some of the objects from the
tomb of Tutankhamun.
Meant for private use and reference only.
In addition, formal notes were made by me on many of the Index Cards
giving treatment of objects.
The importance of these notes is now such that we hope that Lucas would forgive us for making them public - Jaromir Malek.
Concept & Direction: Jaromir Malek
Scanning: Kent Rawlinson, Jenni Navratil
Transcription and editing: Lindsay Allen and Jaromir Malek
Coordination: Elizabeth Fleming
Earliest Season 1922-23
1
A.Lucas
Methods of Treatment Used
Painted Box (No 21)
(a) Was covered with thin coating of white dust, (probably limestone dust)
especially on lid. Removed dust by brushing carefully with small soft brush
and benzine.
(b) Painted surface was blistered in places. Filled in underneath blisters
with paraffin wax. This was done by using a warm saturated solution of wax
in benzine (warmed in sun). This was run in under blisters by means of a
small pipette. The surplus wax was removed while soft by means of benzine
and soft brush.
(c) There were small cracks in painted surface and small portions of the
paint were loose or had fallen off. Applied solution of celluloid in amyl
acetate to cracks and used same solution as an adhesive for sticking on
loose pieces. Finally sprayed whole outer surface of box several times with
same solution.
(d) A few splashes of earthy material were
2
adhering to the surface of box in places. These were removed by careful
rubbing with damp cotton wool before spraying with celluloid solution.
This did not affect the paint but probably benzine + a soft brush would
have been better.
Although the above methods of treatment were very helpful it was found that
they were not sufficient as with the change of temperature and degree of
humidity experienced when the box was taken out of the tomb the joints in
the woodwork began to widen slightly and the painted gesso surface over the
joints began to peel off. Every time the box was moved for photography, for
the examination and removal of the contents or other purpose its condition
became slightly worse, and after mature deliberation and a preliminary
experiment on one corner it was decided to treat the whole box with melted
paraffin wax and this accordingly was done. The larger cracks were filled
up with plasticine before applying the wax.
3
Sandals 21a and 21b
Rush and Papyrus. Base and sole thong = rush Instep binding = papyrus
Removed dust by blowing with small pair of bellows. No further treatment.
The papyrus, but not the rush, was covered with a thin coating of white material suggestive of paint but which was not paint but had been acquired in the tomb.
4
Head Rest No. 21C
Wood covered with gesso gilt
Some of the gold loose. Gold very yellow.
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate and stuck loose piece
of gold in place with some solution.
5
Beaded Robe in Painted Box. No 21d. Plain Weave.
Found crumpled in a heap at the top of the box. Beads and gold sequins
(convex) were loose, the threads with which sewn having perished. Fabric
of robe also perished. Removed as much dust as possible by gentle blowing
with small bellows and afterwards spraying with benzine.
Blue beads both long + round = glass Broke + examined
Treated repeatedly with solution of Canada balsam in xylol, allowing at
least a day to elapse between treatments. The solution was applied by means
of a small pipette.
Attempted to remove the robe but only a small portion came out intact, the
rest falling to pieces. Consolidated this and some small pieces of borders
of fine beadwork by saturating with a solution of paraffin in wax in
benzine. Apart from the portion treated with wax it was only possible to
keep intact a few small portions of the fabric from which the decoration
had fallen and these were strengthened by spraying with a dilute solution of
celluloid in amyl acetate and acetone.
After consolidating the piece of material mentioned above with wax in
benzine, poured over it hot molten paraffin wax to consolidate further.
6
Diam. of sequins 1.0 cm. Most of the gold is a dull reddish brown but some of the sequins are yellow.
7
Garment No 21e Plain weave
Found beneath the robe 21d. No gold or bead ornamentation. Almost entirely
perished.
Picked out a few small pieces and strengthened by spraying with
a dilute solution of celluloid in amyl acetate and acetone.
Garment 21m Tapestry woven
Ornamented with very small gold sequins (convex) which are tarnished. Almost
entirely perished. Sprayed a few small pieces repeatedly with a strong
solution of celluloid in amyl acetate. Diam. of sequins 0.7 cm.
Garment 21p Plain weave
Ornamented with blue faience daisies and gold daisies. Most of the gold is
a dull yellow but some is a dull reddish-brown. No part of fabric preserved.
8
Garment 21q Plain weave.
Ornamented with thick blue faience sequins (convex) and gold seqins. Diam.
of both blue and gold sequins 1.3 cm. Gold very tarnished. Sprayed three
small strips of fabric with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate.
Garment 21r (Sprayed a small piece with a solution of celluloid in amyl
acetate) Ornamented with large thin gold daisies and gold sequins of two
sizes
Daisies: Diam. 1.7 cm
Sequins: Diam. 1.2 cm and 1.0 cm
Garment 21x Tapestry woven
Ornamented with gold sequins. Gold tarnished. Diam. 1.0 cm
Sprayed a few small pieces with strong solution of celluloid in amyl
acetate
Garment No 21v
Dark cloth with woven pattern in white thread. In very bad condition.
Strengthened by spraying with strong solution of celluloid in amyl acetate.
Garment No 21aa.
Ornamented with gold sequins in two sizes. Tarnished. Diam. 1.6 cm. and
1.4 cm Fabric much perished. Sprayed with strong solution of celluloid
in amyl acetate.
Inlaid with blue glass. (Eyebrows, nose etc.)
9
Beadwork No 21s and No 21w
A mass of small beadwork. Treated with melted paraffin wax.
Leopard's Head (plaster gilt) No 21t (Attached to Garment)
Cloth ornamented with gold stars attached. - Sprayed with strong solution of
celluloid in amyl acetate. Afterwards with celluloid in acetone.
Gold much tarnished
Head disfigured by patches of black patch-like material which had come from
some other object. These were decomposed raw hide (from sole of sandal) +
were softened and removed by water and a soft brush.
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate to fix loose gilt. Gold
of head yellow
10
Collar No 21u (was inside box)
Well glazed. No salt efflorescence.
Generally well glazed but some few pendants, chiefly red + blue, showed
efflorescence + corrosion. Tested two of the worst (blue) NaCl present: no
alkalinity to phenolphthalein.
Necklace No 21y
Black + white faience: large flat beads
Glove No 21z
Fine linen.
Sprayed repeatedly with a strong solution of celluloid in amyl
acetate
11
Fabric 21o
Collar band of garment.
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate.
Garment 21cc (Similar to 21x)
Tapestry woven ?Hood
Ornamented with gold sequins 1 cm diam.
Gold tarnished.
Sprayed with strong solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
Resin
Necklace 21dd
Very dark brown on surface: very brittle: ruby red by transmitted light.
Garment 21ee.
Parts of belt?
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
Garment 21ff
Parts of belt?
- Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
12
Garment 21gg
Part of belt?
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate.
Bundles 21hh
Small: tied
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
Tassel 21ii
Large
- sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
Garment 21bb
Collar like 21o and 21aa.
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
Garment 21kk
Belt.
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in acetone
Garment 21ll
Belt
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in acetone
13
Fabric 21mm
Shawl
Sprayed with solution of celluloid solution in acetone
Fabric 21nn
Loin cloth. Sprayed outside with solution of celluloid in acetone
Fabric 21oo
Roll of linen.
Perished
Fabric 21pp
Roll fine linen
Not unrolled but sprayed outside with solution of celluloid in acetone.
Fabric 21qq
Small rolls of linen. Not treated.
Fabric 21rr
Roll linen.
Not unrolled. Sprayed outside with solution of celluloid in
acetone.
14
Fabric 21ss
Roll linen. Not unrolled. Sprayed outside with solution of celluloid in
acetone.
Fabric 21tt.
Shawl? Not unrolled. Sprayed outside with solution of celluloid in acetone.
Fabric 21uu
Pads of linen. Not unrolled. Sprayed outside with solution of celluloid in
acetone.
Fabric 21vv
Gauntlet (archer's: small: ?boy's) Sprayed with solution of celluloid in
acetone
Writing Boards 21ww and 21xx
Cleaned with dry brush. Sprayed with solution of celluloid in acetone.
Wood covered with plaster, painted blue (Blue has become grey in large part)
Blue can be easily rubbed off when damp.
15
Sandals (No 21f No 21g)
With duck's heads in front.
In very bad condition, the leather of the sole having perished and having
become black and pitch-like and having stuck to other articles below. The
leather of the sides had also perished and become brittle but has not stuck.
Sole = new hide Sides = tanned leather
A band of beadwork across the front was treated with a solution of Canada
balsam in xylol applied with a pipette. The sides and bottoms were treated
with a strong solution of celluloid in amyl acetate applied at first with a
pipette and afterwards sprayed.
On bottom this or any treatment was useless.
The sides were afterwards treated with a solution of Canada balsam in xylol
applied with a pipette. This latter was fairly effective for the pieces of
the sides remaining.
16
Sandals (21h and 21i)
In bad condition much of the leather having perished. Practically only the
soles remained and a few pieces of the straps. The straps had been leather
on the back of papyrus.
Sole = raw hide Sides = tanned leather.
Various objects including large blue beads, gold sequins and resin beads
were adhering firmly to the black pitch-like sole. The only solvent that
was effective in loosening these adhering objects was water.
The few remains of the strap etc were treated with a solution of Canada
balsam in xylol applied with a pipette.
17
Slippers No 21f
In fine beadwork.
Utterly perished, all the beads being loose and the fabric having disappeared.
18
Sandals Nos 21k and l
Much decayed.
Treated sides which were ornamented with gold work repeatedly with a strong
solution of celluloid in amyl acetate applied with a pipette.
Sole = raw hide Sides = tanned leather.
The sole leather had become very brittle and pitch-like. The leather of the
sides was very brittle.
The sides were afterwards treated with a solution of Canada balsam in xylol
applied with a pipette.
19
Box No 50
The surface was dusty. Removed dust from ebony strips, ebony knobs and red painted lattice work by sponging with damp sponge. Refastened loose castors with casein adhesive.
Contents of Box No 50
Arrows. (No 50yy) (Reeds) + 100e (one arrow only)
The few remains of feathers were so friable that they crumbled to powder
when touched. Sprayed feather end with a solution of celluloid in amyl
acetate.
Nos 50 (t) 50 (u)
Tapestry-Woven Arm and Hand Guards when using Bow. These
were very dry and friable. Removed dust by blowing with small bellows.
Saturated with benzine to allow material to be straightened out without
breaking. Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate diluted with
acetone.
20
Sticks
50 (v) On one stick there was a thin discoloured metal band. This was very
friable and was chipping off. Treated with a solution of Canada balsam in
xylol applied with a pipette. This was a mistake as the solution darkened
the wood immediately beyond the ends of the band. A solution of celluloid
in amyl acetate would have been better.
50 (oo) Two sticks had each a narrow metal band on top of metal. These bands
were broken and loose. Stuck bands in place by means of strong solution of
celluloid in amyl acetate applied with small brush.
Narrow band of gold on thin gold representing ferule.
50 (pp) Narrow gold band on gold
50 (qq) 50 (vv) 50 (ww) Three sticks were covered either in whole or in part with loose and very friable bark. Sprayed repeatedly with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate. Used same solution to stick on loose pieces.
50 (ss) Part of ivory whip with gold, ornamentation. Also several discoloured metal (apparently silver) bands on the gold. One of these silver bands was broken. Stuck it in place with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate.
21
Stick 50xx
This was covered with an inlay of coloured beetle's wings. It had shrunk and become somewhat flattened and the covering was too large for the core. In various places, especially along one side the covering had split and a black material looking like pitch had oozed out and some had fallen on to objects below and on to bottom of box. This black material is leather (i.e. raw hide) decomposed by damp. No treatment.
22
Ebony Stool inlaid Ivory No 83
Removed dust by blowing with small pair of bellows and afterwards brushed
with small soft brush and benzine.
The gold ornamentation was very tarnished. Cleaned with Scrubb's Ammonia
diluted with water and afterwards washed with water. Applied the ammonia and
also the water by means of a piece of soft linen, and for the corners used
a pointed piece of wood covered with soft linen, and also a small brush.
Stuck in loose pieces of ivory with a strong solution of celluloid in amyl
acetate applied with a small brush. Also three loose gold covers for bosses,
also several loose pieces of ebony and loose wooden eye of duck. (One piece
of ivory, three gold covers for bosses and the eye were found loose on the
floor)
23
Necklace No 53a (was found on top of box 54)
Removed superficial dust by blowing with a small pair of bellows.
A crystalline deposit and a brown incrustation were present on many of the
pendants. The deposit consisted of common salt and the incrustation
apparently was largely oxide of iron.
Soaked in water for several days to remove the salt, syphoning off the
water each morning and replacing it by fresh.
Two large crystals of common salt picked out from among the pendants -
one was a cube measuring 7mm along the side and the other was about half
this size.
This collar was found on the lid of Box No 54 (39 cms high i.e. 39 cms from
floor) and there was no evidence either of water or of salt on the box
lid.
Several of the pendants were broken in two pieces and many had one of
the eyes broken off. Repaired the pendants some with a strong solution of
celluloid in amyl acetate
24
and some with Canada balsam in xylol. Where the eyes had broken off stuck
on small beads using strong solution of celluloid in some cases and Canada
balsam in other cases. The coloured inlay of the shoulders pieces was
loose in several cases. Fastened on with strong celluloid dissolved in amyl
acetate.
Two of the pendant pieces were broken. Moulded new pieces with plaster of
Paris and stuck these to the broken portions.
Although some of the faience was glazed much had little or no glaze.
(Query Glaze decomposed and origin of salt)
Collar 21u on which there was no salt + which was found in box 21 was
definitely more glazed than 53a.
25
Rings No 53b.
On the lid of Box No 54 in addition to Collar No 53 there was a thin roll of cloth on which were strung 13 glazed faience rings and 2 metal (? silver) rings. The cloth was hard and incrusted with a crystalline deposit of common salt. Tested part of broken faience ring (blue) NaCl present. No alkalinity to phenolphetalein.
Box No 54
Red painted box with ebony corners and ebony strips round panels + lid.
Sponged ebony with damp sponge.
Red paint flaking off. Sprayed with solution of celluloid solution in acetone.
26
Cushion No 34
Covered with beadwork: stuffed with bran.
Poured on melted paraffin wax.
27
Beaded Slippers Nos. 85a and 147a.
Consolidated by pouring on melted paraffin wax.
28
Bouquets No 17, No 142a, No 51, Nos 18 + 19
Sprayed repeatedly with a dilute solution of celluloid in mixed amyl acetate
and acetone. Repeated several times with strong solution of celluloid in amyl acetate.
(Tried experiments on a few loose leaves) with solution of collodion in
ether - alcohol, solution of gelatine in water, solution of castor oil in
alcohol, a mixture of collodion solution with castor oil, and melted
paraffin wax. None satisfactory. Also Canada balsam solution in xylol. Also
unsatisfactory. Water softened the leaves and made them temporarily soft and
pliable but they became as fragile as ever again when dry.
Nos 18 + 19 + 51 sprayed with solution of celluloid in acetone
29
Throne No 91 (?Ceremonial Chair)
(a) Part covered with thin gold plate
(b) Part covered with gesso gilt.
Inlaid with coloured stones + coloured glass.
Gold dull scarlet or plum-coloured in places (both a + b) and also reddish
brown in places (both a + b)
The under side of the seat (which is gesso gilt) is generally very yellow - much more so than anywhere else - but there are both reddish brown spots and patches in places with here and there a suggestion of scarlet.
Very dirty
Blew off as much dust as possible with small bellows. Then brushed with
small dry brush. Sponged with small sponge and water for more solid parts
and brushed with soft-brush wetted with water for more delicate parts.
On some of the inlay (glass) a dirty amorphous deposit very adherent. This was
removed by water and soft brush and when wet gave a smell suggestive of glue
and occasionally frothed: This
30
deposit had a slight saltish taste (? NaCl) It was suggestive of an efflorescence from inside: it occurred chiefly on one kind of blue inlay + was entirely absent from a similar-looking greenish blue inlay. The blue on which it occurred was (a) a dark blue and (b) a medium blue (Query glue from gesso or from cement, probably latter). Replaced loose pieces of inlay and loose piece of gold using Necol cement as adhesive. On back used Necol cement in places + casein adhesive in places for sticking onm the gold. The gesso on under side of seat was blistered and broken in a few places. Filled up blisters with melted paraffin wax (using a pipette) and strengthened weak places also with wax.
Thickness of gold. One piece = 0.1 mm - some thinner, some thicker. Gold over top rail of back = 0.08 mm.
Thin layer of material on spindle under gold looked like very thin gesso coated with glue. Gave nitrogenous smell on heating.
31
Faience vessels
54 w Kohl Pot (green)
54 h Large green (1)
54n, t, u Small blue (3)
54qq 4 Small blue
54rr 2 Small green
54g, b, x, z, aa, bb, cc, dd, ii, ff, ll, mm, nn, oo, pp - large blue.
Whitish coating inside + out - surface cracks in some in places
All show corrosion, whitish coating on surface, small portions of surface
layer peeling off.
Tested. 54ll NaCl - present - not strong
Alkalinity to phenolphthalein. Nil
CO3 Nil
Greater part of white coating is insoluble in con. HCl. In several cases
where there is a crack the edges of this show a marked white efflorescence.
This is alkaline (to litmus)
contains NaCl + SO3
Washed in water 54w, h, n, t, u, qq, rr, ll, oo, g, z, aa.
32
Stool No 84
Wood with rushwork seat
Painted thickly with white paint which is peeling off in places.
Sprayed with a strong solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
Chair 87 + Footstool 88
Hard red wood with a little sheet gold on the chair.
Gold yellow but tarnished slightly.
After blowing off dust cleaned with damp sponge.
Gold on chair - many pieces loose. re-fastened with Necol cement: small
piece of carving - added a little plastic wood + stuck in with Necol
cement.
Two loose pieces of wood on stool mended with casein adhesive.
On chair gold put directly on wood - no gesso
33
Stool No 78
Wood. White painted.
Disfigured (chiefly at top but also to some extent on two sides) with
deposit of brown earthy-looking matter.
Brushed with soft dry brush which
removed part of adherent material. Paint was blistered and chipping off in
places. When damped the paint softens and rubs off.
Sprayed repeatedly with a strong solution of celluloid in amyl acetate and
used same material to stick on both paint and a loose piece of wood.
34
Stool No 81
Dark red wood with strips of ebony + ivory inlay on seat. Some of the veneer was loose and some had fallen off.
A brown powdery material adhering in places. Also a white coating almost like paint.
Brushed with small stiff brush. Sponged with a damp sponge.
Stuck in loose pieces of inlay with strong celluloid solution (in amyl acetate)
35
Fly Whisks No 148 + 168
148 = 3: 168 = 1
Probably horse hair
Sprayed with strong solution of Celluloid in Amyl Acetate.
Handles gesso gilt. Sprayed as above + refastened loose gesso + gilt with
cellulose acetate cement.
Couches Nos 73. 137
Filled blisters in gesso with melted paraffin wax by means of a pipette +
poured melted wax over surface where gesso was cracked or flaking off
36
Stool No 67
Small, low.
Hard dark red wood with two panels of round bars at top. Strips of ebony
and ivory veneer round panels of bars. Some of veneer loose. Washed with
damp sponge and water.
Stuck in loose pieces of wood and loose veneer with casein adhesive
Stools Nos 139 + 140
Ebony with ivory inlay and ornamented with bands of gold on gesso. Leather
seat.
In very bad condition.
Ivory. Some eaten by insects; some loose
Gesso. Some loose
Leather. Perished and brittle and part gone
Sponged with damp sponge.
Replaced loose pieces of ivory + gesso with celluloid cement. Sprayed
with celluloid in amyl acetate
Treated remains of leather of 139 with lanoline
Some of the ivory inlay is reddish - possibly stained.
37
Bow 77a.
Hard red wood. Tips + centre covered with gesso gilt.
Washed with damp sponge.
Sprayed gesso with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
Bow 77b
Covered with applied bark which is peeling off. Covered with melted paraffin wax.
Throw Sticks 54 d + e
Wood covered with gesso gilt. Both ends of d + one end of e in blue faience.
Cleaned with water and soft brush.
- sprayed with a solution of celluloid in
amyl acetate to stick on gesso which was peeling off in places.
Robe 54f
Tapestry woven.
- sprayed with a solution of celluloid in acetone.
38
Stick 100a.
Covered with gesso gilt: blue faience knob at one end, curved wooden figure
(in hard red wood head, hands + feet painted white - rest of figure is gesso
gilt) at other end. At end of knob a cartouche in thin gold on faience: The
gold was a dull brick red colour: became bright yellow on cleaning with
NH3
Cleaned gesso with benzine + soft brush: cleaned faience with water: sprayed
painted parts of figures with solution of celluloid in acetone as paint
was flaking off; also sprayed gesso when flaking with same solution.
Stick 100b
In parts gesso gilt but largely delicate pattern in bark.
Cleared with benzine and soft brush. Sprayed with solution of celluloid in
acetone and stuck on loose pieces of bark with celluloid.
Stand 108a
Base, hard dark wood
Upright: Gesso with fairly thick gold. Gold very yellow with small purplish
patches in places
Sponged with water.
Shrine. Was on floor, back to wall
Coloration
Back. Mostly yellow but tarnished. Extensive patches of plum colour (maroon)
irregularly distributed Strong suggestion of scarlet in colour
Left Side. Almost entirely yellow; tarnished, slight-brownish patches in
places.
Right Side. Extensive patches of plum colour irregularly distributed
Front. Yellow, tarnished
Base (Sled) Very tarnished, much more so than shrine & manifestly different
quality of gold.
Cleaned with dilute ammonia + afterwards with water
Thickness of gold about 0.1 mm
Under gold is thin gesso coated on upper
surface with glue.
39
Adze 100c
Handle of dark red wood painted white. Paint peeling off. Sprayed with
solution of celluloid in acetone.
Shrine 108
Large masses of black pitch-like material on top
? Leather from harness
- brittle, shiny, with smell of glue when wetted. Most of this easily
chipped off leaving the surface a brilliant yellow colour. The rest of the
top surface was a rusty red colour in patches. Cleaned off remains of black
with water. Cleaned with dilute ammonia + afterwards with water. Stuck on
several loose pieces of gold with casein adhesive
Belt 100f
Treated with celluloid solution in acetone.
Gauntlets 54v
- sprayed with solution of celluloid in acetone
Glove 54o
- sprayed with solution of celluloid in acetone.
54i Bottom of Glove (?)
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in acetone.
54f Alabaster Wine Strainer.
Washed with water
54k Necklace with Corselet.
Stuck in a few of the larger loose pieces with Necol cement + cleaned inlay
parts with benzine + soft brush + gold with water + soft brush.
54p Tapestry Woven Strip.
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in acetone.
54ee Statuette
Crystalline limestone. Washed with water
100h. Pieces of Cord. Sprayed with celluloid in acetone
40
Fabric 54p Tapestry woven
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in acetone.
Snake 54b
Bronze; gold inlay
Washed with water. Also Scarab 54(o). Gold with dark blue glass
Scarabs
Small 54q gold with coloured inlay (glass, dark blue)
Large 54yy " " " " (dark blue glass + carnelian)
Cleaned with ammonia water and brush.
Blue glass Figure 54 ff
Soaked in water and cleaned with brush.
Ivory Box (Swan figure) No 54S
Cleaned with damp sponge. Stuck in one small loose piece (black) with special cement.
Grey figure 54rr
Covered with whitish crust.
Treated with very dilute HCl + washed repeatedly in water. Slight suggestion
of blue visible. Stone probably has been glazed + glaze perished.
54K.* On necklace large piece of inlay missing from gold frame of one of the
pendants: the cementing material is left. It consists of two distinct
layers. Top layers light brown, compact, brittle. Bottom layer is reddish
and resinous-looking.
HCl: Strong effervescence: dissolves leaving light red residue
SO>SUB>3: Trace
Heated: Charred
Red Residue after HCl: Very slightly soluble in water
Partly soluble in alcohol.
CaCO3 + Resin(?)
* Second specimen identical in appearance.
41
Lid of Jar Pottery Coloured 54m
Washed with water and brush
Lid No 54 hh.
Wooden lid of small box with coloured inlay (glass)
Cleaned with water
Stuck on loose inlay with Necol cement + sprayed with solution of celluloid
in amyl acetate.
Necklace with Corselet 54k
Cleaned gold pieces with water and inlay with benzine.
Stuck in a few loose pieces of inlay with Necol cement.
Couches Nos 35 (Lion) 73 (Hathor) + 137 (Typhon)
Treated with melted paraffin wax
Necklace 108c
Mended a broken bead (carnelian) with celluloid + cleaned
beads with water (cornelian, green feldspar, gold + a blue) glass (dark)
42
Ring - 54gg (Earring)
Resin - outer layer flaking off. dark brown
Found that the material was soluble or partly soluble in alcohol. Sprayed
with alcohol. Loose pieces adhered again.
Ring 54tt
Alabaster(?) Washed with water.
Alabaster Jar 16
Contained a large mass of dark resinous-looking material the surface of
which was covered with a large number of small brown beetles (0.15 to 0.20
mm in length) The mass came out of jar almost intact. Dimensions
approximately 14 cms high by 9 cms broad - shape of jar. At the sides there
were signs of melting + running. At the bottom there were small particles
of translucent resinous-looking material varying in colour from light brown
to ruby red.
Tested:- Insol. in benzine + alcohol. Brown colour extracted by water: small
translucent particles soluble in water. When heated glowed like charcoal, no
smoke; indeterminate smell: no adhesive property.
Treated with melted paraffin wax.
Parts of one panel cracked + loose. Took off:
The dirty amorphous deposit occurs particularly on the blue faience + on the blue glass.
The natural stone inlays on the lid are rough + corroded on the surface.
Part of the blue glass on one panel on lid has gone very dark, almost black
43
Box No 44
Under blue glass panels there is a highly siliceous material - i.e. between
body of faience + wood of box. On some of the blue glass inlay (hands ) are
designs in gesso gilt
Outside covered with gesso gilt with inlay: The gold in places is fairly
bright yellow: in places dull light red: in places blood red: colour
irregularly distributed
Inlay. Blue Panels = Glass: Dark blue + green oblongs = probably faience
Dark blue, red + green strips = glass
Glass panels with inlaid decoration round edges.
Small Pieces of Inlay (oblongs) natural stone
The inlay shows a surface deposit soluble in water - smells of glue when
wet + froths
(? from gesso or from cement)
The red of the gold washes off with water
Brushed with dry brush.
Sponged with damp sponge + brushed inlay repeatedly with damp brush.
Stuck in loose inlay + loose gold with cellulose acetate cement
Some surface disintegration of the natural stone
Under the gilt gesso ornamentation on the blue faience panels there is
coarsely woven fabric.
Some of gilt gesso desing on faience on lid is less than 1mm thick
On one of the panels on the lid part of the blue glass has become black.
44f is part of bezel of ring consisting of small figures of men in gold (in relief). Underneath is a portion of the original cementing material. This varies in colour from yellow to red: it is translucent and resinous-looking. Insoluble in Benzine: practically entirely soluble in alcohol: burns with luminous flame. Is resin.
44
Rings
44c. Gold partly yellow: in part reddish-brown and tarnished.
44d. Gold a uniform dull yellow: tarnished
44e Gold yellow, tarnished
44f Gold bright yellow, no tarnish: like new
44g Gold yellow but tarnished with patches of reddish brown colour.
44h Gold yellow (brass colour): tarnished
44i Gold light yellow, tarnished: some reddish-brown.
44j. Gold light yellow, tarnished with brown in places.
All cleaned with water and soft brush & with dil ammonia
Leopards Head 44q
Plaster with fairly thick sheet gold. Generally gold very yellow but purple
tinge in places. Back thinly gilt, generally purple.
Washed with water.
Some pieces of blue inlay (glass) most are good dark blue + not corroded but
one piece has "crazed" surface + is bluish grey + has deposit on surface.
Cleaned with water.
Replaced nose which was loose + stuck in with Necol cement.
Tried various methods of softening + preserving the skin so that it could be
unfolded - negative results.
Treated a few small pieces with melted paraffin wax.
45
Scarab 44o
Gold with blue inlay: gold yellow but tarnished, patches of reddish-brown.
Cleaned with water + soft brush
Animal skin Robe
44q
Tried spraying a small portion with solution of cellulose acetate in
acetone.
Ornamented with large stars + large spangles in gold -
Both round + oval Large Spangles - bright yellow with vivid scarlet both
sides - irregularly distributed
Large Round Spangles - dull grey
Large Stars. Two kinds One bright yellow with scarlet the other dull grey.
The grey spangles + stars are gold with silver
Two of the sequins were folded + inside a vivid scarlet.
Fabric 44m
Sprayed with solution of cellulose acetate in acetone.
Hek Sign 44u
Gold and Blue (Glass)
Washed with NH3 + then water
Bangle 44ee
Blue faience with gold covered edges.
Washing in water.
Stuck a few loose pieces of gold on with celluloid dissolved in amyl acetate
Necklaces.
Faience. Large flat beads. 44bb, 44cc, 44dd.
44bb = Brilliant blue
44cc = Blue, Yellow, Red + White
44dd = Blue, red, black
Washed with water.
Adzes (a)44 p (b) + 44v
a. Leather bound. Sprayed with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
b. Loose ivory end re-fastened with cellulose-acetate (in acetone) cement.
Scarf 44b
Not treated
Count 128 Lengthwise: 78 crosswise per inch (2).
46
Collar 44n
Faience.
Soaked in water
Garment 44r
With small gold sequins very tarnished. Not treated.
Sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate.
Wooden Bowl 44s
Gold rim. Small patches of dull scarlet colour. Thin coating of white paint
both inside + outside peeling off.
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate. Cleaned gold rim with
solution of NH3 + washed with water
Fabric 44t
Sprayed with solution of cellulose acetate in acetone. Small gold sequins
very tarnished.
Vase 44z (Small, conical)
Alabaster: washed with water
x Fabric 44aa. Sprayed with cellulose acetate in acetone.
Not preserved
Fabric 44x
Sprayed with a solution of cellulose acetate in acetone
Fabric 44jj
Sprayed with a solution of cellulose acetate in acetone
Gauntlets 89 a + b
Sprayed with solution of cellulose acetate in acetone
Footstool 90 Wood base covered with gesso gilt - blue faience panels both
on top + sides with design in gilt gesso on top of faience. Coarsely woven fabric
between gesso + faience.
Removed superficial dust + dirt with bellows, soft brush + hard brush.
Removed further dust etc with damp sponge + damp brush.
Stuck in loose pieces of gesso with cellulose acetate cement. Sprayed whole
surface with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate.
Gold: Some yellow + bright, much dull dark red, some dull scarlet.
Treated gold with dilute solution of NH3 + afterwards washed with
water. Red in parts easily removed by NH3 but in parts not
removed. Underneath the stool is covered with gesso painted red. Red is
removed by water. Treated blisters, loose pieces + cracks with melted
paraffin wax applied with a pipette
Panels are glass - one is broken + piece was taken out + examined. Small
inlay round edges dark blue + green is also glass.
47
Alabaster Vase No 58.
Cement (light reddish colour) between vase and stand Is a mixture of calcium
carbonate (whiting) and resin.
Contents of Vase 58
Very dark brown sticky mass of ointment consistency. Embedded in it are
light brown translucent resinous-looking fragments Also small dead beetles.
Tested:-
Melts when heated + burns with smoky flame; slight smell of burning fat.
Give greasy stain on paper.
Insoluble in benzine.
Partly soluble in alcohol - brown flocculent matter settles out.
Alabaster cup No 14
Stained both inside + out with brown material. Tried various solvents namely
water, benzine, alcohol and acetone - result negative. Finally tried xylol -
stain removed
Faience Ring 43p
Washed with water
Gloves 43i + 43f
Sprayed with a solution of cellulose acetate in acetone
Fabric on Cylinder of Pith. 43k
Sprayed with a solution of cellulose acetate in acetone.
Bead 43q (large, cylindrical)
very dark brown almost black
Broken in 3 pieces: resin inlaid with piece of gold.
Mended with cellulose acetate cement
Fabric 43r
Sprayed with a solution of cellulose acetate in acetone
48
(Broke one bead = definitely faience)
x Garment 44w
Ornamented with blue beads (faience), blue plaques (faience), gold daisies
and gold plaques.
The gold tarnished + most reddish-brown
No part of fabric preserved.
Glove 44ff
Sprayed with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate. Count: Fabric of
Glove 232 x 100 Lining 108 x 60 per sq. inch
Standard (38b) from Shrine 38
Wood, gesso, gilt on black stand.
The gesso is bright yellow in a few places but is mostly purplish
(plum-colour bloom)
Brown deposit in spots in places - earthy-looking. When wet gave a smell of
glue. Treatment: Dry brush: sponge + damp brush + sprayed with celluloid in
amyl acetate.
Stand covered with thin layer of black material
Inscription in white paint peeling off. After dusting + washing (except
inscription) sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate.
(No beetles on stand)
Box 43
Ebony framework: red wood panels on bottom: strips of ivory + ebony veneer
Covered with dust, dirt + a thin white very adherent coating (This on both
red wood + ebony: it was so marked as to resemble a thin coat of paint.)
Brushed with stiff dry brush: washed with damp sponge.
Did not attempt any repairs
Gauntlet 43e.
Sprayed with solution of cellulose acetate in acetone
Box 56
Packing material inside is reed (?) twisted into rope + this wound into
double ring. Sprayed with celluloid solution in amyl acetate.
Similar in construction generally to No 43 but raised on trellis work:
has double lid.
Similar white adherent material to both red wood + ebony:
all ebony + ivory veneer loose.
Washed with damp sponge.
Stopping where wood defective slightly yellow - CaCO3 + Glue
Gauntlet 92g Tapestry Woven
Sprayed with a solution of cellulose acetate in acetone.
Certain portions of the coloured pattern more perished than rest of fabric;
i.e. in holes where colour had been (chiefly green)
49
Alabaster Vase No 61 Contents.
Very similar to contents of Vase No 58
Very dark brown greasy mass of ointment consistency. Embedded in it are
small light brown translucent resinous-looking fragments. Also small dead
beetles. Slight smell suggestive of rancid fat.
Alabaster Vase No 60 Contents
Dry dark brown mass, mostly consisting of small dead beetles -
1.5 to 2 mm long.
Bracelet 56a
Crystalline limestone: very dirty: washed with water + stiff brush: brown
organic matter still on, greater part removed with xylol.
50
Ankh Torch Holders 41.
Four.
All have rectangular base of hard red wood covered with thin layer of
brilliant balck pitch-like brittle material much of which has flaked off
and the rest was loose.
Blew off dust with bellows.
Black material is resin.
Sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate which partly dissolved
the resin + fixed it firmly when dry.
(a) Very small patch of gold leaf on one side of base. On one side of base
patches of white material suggestive of fatty acid. Acid to litmus:
soluble in benzine, alcohol + water.
Rich resinous-looking cement adhering to one hand.
No cup.
Ankh is bronze in good condition: a few small marks like fly marks:
a few small red patches on bronze (cuprous oxide) one arm, hand + side has
slight amount of green corrosion.
All 4 bronzes washed with water, then dilute ammonia + again repeatedly with water. Brushed with Necolustre (cellulose varnish)
(c) Treated remains of wick + inside cylinder with ether which evaporated to dryness. No evidence of oil or fat
(d) Extracted wick + cylinder with ether, evaporated to dryness. Trace of oily material extracted: Yellowish: viscous liquid: greasy: acid to litmus: Slight pleasant smell somewhat aromatic: a few drops only in amount.
51
41 Contd
(b) Two small patches of gold leaf on side of base
No cup
Ankh is bronze in very good condition: metal covered with brown powdery
material, which brushed off.
A few tiny dead beetles on base.
Part of top of base at back, round stem of ankh, at front left corner and
on left side gesso under the black material. This probably simply stopping
for faults in wood.
(c) Brown powdery material on metal which brushed off
Bronze cylinder covered with gold leaf: remains of wick
(d) Remains of a few tiny dead beetles on stand
Bronze cylinder covered with gold leaf: linen wick
Removed wick from cylinder. The part above cylinder showed no signs of
oil or grease, below cylinder there was a slight resinous looking coating
with slight white patches + slight yellowish patches in places
52
Stick 95
Hard red wood. Washed with damp sponge. Knob and some 15 cms of stick below
covered with gesso + thin gold leaf. This loose. Cleaned gold with NH3
+ washed with water + refastened loose gold with Necol cement.
At ferrule end covered with gesso - gold missing.
Gesso loose - refastened with cellulose acetate cement.
Snake Head Ornaments 138
2 wood : 1 stone: gold setting.
Washed with water + cleaned gold with NH3 + after with water.
Sprayed cord with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate. Re-fastened on
loose gold mounts in two cases (wood) with cellulose acetate cement.
Papyrus Box 42.
Blew off dust: sprayed with solution of celluloid in amyl acetate.
Treated with solution of paraffin wax in benzine applied with a pipette.
Treated with melted wax.
53
Horn (Small, curved) 92e
Washed with water
Contains numerous holes suggestive of having been eaten by insects.
Head of Snake 92d (Blue faience)
Belongs to back of Throne 91
Washed with water.
Stool 92
Hard red wood with strips of ebony + ivory veneer
Washed with damp sponge.
Wood very stained with white stains not removed by water.
Washed with strong NH3 + afterwards with water
Refastened loose veneer with cellulose acetate cement
Basket 117
Patches of black brittle material (? leather from chariots) at top.
Brushed off dust + broke off black with fingers.
54
Footstool 30
Wood covered with gesso: blue glass inlay: figures of captives in gesso:
figures painted yellow + red. No gilt. Paint rubs off when damp: Stuck on
loose gesso with celluloid cement.
Brushed off superficial dust with dry brush: washed glass with damp sponge
+ damp brush Sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate. Put in sun + treated
with melted paraffin wax. Replaced loose gesso with celluloid cement.
Stool (a) 149 + (b) 142
a. Seat (centre missing) + 1 leg
Seat is covered both sides with gesso which is flaking off. Leg (hard wood)
coated in parts with gesso (small part near top only - greater part is
curved + metal coating (gold) has been directly on wood with no gesso)
b. 3 legs + 3 rails from between legs.
Legs as (a): Rails covered with gesso.
Gesso has been covered with metal, partly gold + partly bronze (fragments
left)
Coated with hot paraffin wax
Basket 97
Blew off + brush of dust.
Sandal 104a (Rush + papyrus)
Disfigured by perished leather which had dropped on. Chipped off leather.
Sprayed with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate.
55
Arrow Heads 147c
7. Cleaned with strong ammonia + well washed with water
Stick 98
Hard red wood with gold bands at top, one plain, others ornamented with
applied work in tiny granules. Gold yellow, very slightly tarnished, except
on very narrow band which is much tarnished. Four narrow bands have coloured
inlay. Washed with damp sponge + damp brush.
Chair 39
Ebony - ebony + ivory veneer, gold studs: gilt gesso panels on arms. Blew
off dust with bellows: sponged solid parts on arms with damp sponge + veneer
+ gesso with damp brush. Gold studs very tarnished: cleaned with ammonia +
washed with water.
The rudimentary toe on each of the front legs is ivory coloured (apparently
stained) red.
Re-fastened veneer with Necol cement.
Treated gilt panels with melted paraffin wax applied on hot chair (heated
in sun) by means of a 10 cc pipette
When unpacked in Cairo a few small pieces of ebony veneer found loose -
repaired with glue.
56
Sistra 75, 76
Wood, covered in parts with gesso, gilt + in parts gilt directly on wood,
bronze pins + discs. Gold yellow, very little tarnish. Handle of 75 loose:
re-fastened with casein cement
Washed with damp sponge.
Refastened in loose gesso with cellulose acetate cement + sprayed with celluloid
in amyl acetate.
Heated in sun + treated with melted paraffin wax
x Dish with Dates etc 134
Flesh all gone, sking wrinkled + left in a few cases, but mostly only
stones. Skin black + brittle. Stones black + brittle
Dish 154
Red pottery.
Brushed with dry brush
Basket - 119
Circular, shallow, divided into compartments
Disfigured with perished leather which has fallen on from chariots. This
brittle - broke off with figures. Brushed with dry brush.
Faience - white glaze
Several fragments of a shallow dish in floor rubbish.
57
Faience Dish (From floor Rubbish)
In 6 pieces. Brilliant Blue.
Cleaned. Washed in cold water + brushed with
stiff brush. One piece very dirty + disfigured with perished leather.
Boiled in water.
Stuck together with Necol cement.
Also 13 other pieces. These were put together and made 4 pieces of another dish. Blue.
Lids of Jars 36b + 36c
Limestone: Washed with water.
Dark brown resinous-looking cement on both
Practically all soluble in alcohol
Is resin.
Bow 153 (Compound - in very bad condition)
Applied hot paraffin wax.
Uraeus 74
Wood, gesso, inlay Washed with water. Head of snake is blue faience: two
pieces of inlay are green glass: other pieces of inlay are natural stone
(probably fibrous calcite) surface disintegrated
Ivory Pomegranate 40a
In box 40
Stuck fast in black mass.
Removed + cleaned with acetone
Repaired one tiny break with cellulose acetate cement.
58
Alabaster Box 40
Lid: Dark brown resinous-looking material.
Washed with water: removed brown material with acetone.
Box: Partly full of very dark brown (practically black) resinous-looking
material apparently product of decay of horsehair? wig.
Refastened 2 small pieces of bevel of lid which were broken off - re-stuck
knob on both lid + box with Necol cement.
Chipped out part
Softened with acetone + removed when soft
Bottom of alabaster box was so soft that the surface could be
scraped off: water has no solvent action on black material
Gloves 46 dd, 46hh, 46nn
Sprayed with cellulose acetate in acetone
Mallet 46aa
Hard dark wood, gesso on top faced with glue (metal covering has been
removed) Ebony
Washed wood with water.
Sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate
Lids 96 (continued)
On the smaller a dull brown resinous-looking cement. Practically all soluble
in alcohol. Is resin.
On the larger lid an almost black brittle resinous-looking material spread
as patches on one side of the under side. Insoluble in alcohol. Melts like
wax. Possibly not a luting material. (? beeswax)
59
Fabric (? Shawl) 101a
Sprayed with cellulose acetate in acetone
Lids (limestone) of Jars 96 - two
Washed with water + brush
See opposite
Head Rest 101o
Hard red wood
Washed with water + sponge
Removed white stains with acetone.
Fabric 101p
With gold sequins.
Gold dull + tarnished - suggested of a dull plum colour
On collar the sequins had a reddish colour
Sprayed with cellulose acetate in acetone.
Collar had a border of flat faience beads - very dirty - one
however was green
Kohl Tube 46jj
Wooden base: ends gilt: covered with thin glass rods running from top to
bottom: glass dark blue + light blue.
Washed with water
60
Box 32
Ebony framework : red wood panels: strips of ivory + ebony veneer:
inscription cut all round each side + round lid and incised portions filled
up with yellow paint (which is easily removed by water) treated on surface
with a protective coating that renders it almost impervious to water. Final
colour of paint is yellowish white. The final paint when treated can be
gently washed without ill effects.
Pigment = Orpiment Coating = Beeswax
Removed dust with brush: sponged with damp sponge: Refastened loose veneer
with Necol cement: sprayed painted inscription with a solution of celluloid
in amyl acetate. Refastened loose castors with casein adhesive.
Fabrics.
The under-mentioned were sprayed with a solution of cellulose acetate in
acetone
79f: 79l: 79i: 79h: 79m: 79p: 79u (2): 79t: 79n: 79d (1): 79f: 79k: 79u:
79u(6): 79u (5): 79d(8) 79d(9): 79d(6): 79d(2): 79o: 79d(10) 79d (7):
79d(5) 79d(4): 79d (3):
61
Fabrics.
101 - a, b, g, i, h, f, j, e, aa, l, k, z(1)
Sprayed with solution of cellulose acetate in acetone.
Ostrich Feathers 32W
Fragments of
Sprayed with a solution of cellulose acetate in acetone.
Bulbs (? Garlic) 32x
Sprayed with combination of celluloid in amyl acetate
62
Alabaster Vase on Stand 45
When unpacked in Cairo piece found broken off rim at top - repaired
with glue.
Lid luted on with brown, brittle material. This is insoluble in alcohol,
melts like wax: has been plastic + shows marks where pressed + has taken
round shape of vase. Is wax? Beeswax.
Insoluble in benzine.
Inside vase there are slight remains of a black material too small for
analysis.
Outside of vase + lid discoloured with brown stains + patches.
Removed with acetone (after washing vase in water). Repaired small break in
spout with Necol cement
Paint Slabs 32 (o)
Very fine grained limestone. Greasy. Cleaned with xylol.
Fabrics 46d, uu, e, k, l, j, I, f, tt, mm + h
Sprayed with cellulose acetate in acetone.
63
Pottery No 9
Red pottery, painted.
Lid broken in several pieces.
Washed with water.
Mended with Necol cement
Ushabti No 110
Red wood. Incised inscription filled with yellowish paint. Gilt (on gesso)
head-dress + collar.
White paint on face + hands largely flaked off.
Washed with water + small soft brush. Sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate
Pottery 32m
1 small red pottery dish
Brushed with dry brush
Pottery 32n
6 very small red pottery dishes
3 Brushed with dry brush
1 Dry brush: removed patch of resinous-looking material with acetone
1 Dry brush: largely removed white fatty-like matter with benzine
64
Knives 32p
2 Flint (or chert)
Removed fatty matter with acetone
Knives 32q
5 alabaster or fine-grained limestone.
Removed fatty matter with acetone.
4 were broken: repaired with Necol cement
Vase (Cup Shape) 32h
Dark brownish black stone, mottled? Serpentine
Cleaned with water.
(Can be scratched with knife)
Kohl Pot 32i
Similar material to 32h but very slightly harder darker + less mottled.
Cleaned with water
Glass 32j + k (Cup Shape) 32l Small Pot
j white, translucent: full of bubbles
K dark blue: l dark blue
All contain organic matter + l also powdered CaCo3 + fatty-matter.
Removed CaCo3 with HCl. Washed with water, then xylol.
65
Vases (small) 32d + e
Alabaster
Brown organic matter adhering of a fatty nature
Removed this with xylol.
Vase (Cup shape) 32c.
Vase 32g
Small Pot 32f
All of limestone
Brown, organic crystalline deposit all over outsides. Scraped off + cleaned
with xylol. On 32g there was some fatty material. Inside 32c there was a
lump of resin.
Vases small, 32l
Alabaster 4.
Stained badly with brown organic matter partly of a fatty nature - in two
cases this has corroded + softened the alabaster.
Hieratic inscription in black ink on one. One had only traces of contents -
too small to identify
3 had remains of dark brown organic matter Cleaned
with xylol. In 2 = fatty matter In 1 = resinous matter
66
x Plaster 106d.
From near Annexe doorway
Layer of hard plaster shaped by dish in which it has been mixed.
CO3, SO3 Little insoluble in HCl
Is crude gypsum plaster
Resin 12h
Also parts of some article thinner than knob, surface smooth,
curved small piece of blue inlay (small round stud) on concave side. Similar
resin.
From rubbish in passage
One excellently made knob with surface smooth + finished.
Black by reflected light
Dark Red by transmitted light
Practically all soluble in alcohol.
Resinous appearance + fracture: brittle
Vases - Alabaster 32a
2. Filled with fatty matter which had intumesced + come over the top
Did not clean.
67
Dish 86
Red Pottery
Cleaned with dry brush
Adze 106a
Painted with white paint which is flaking off. Bronze end much corroded on
surface (coloured black + green)
Cleaned bronze with ammonia + afterwards with water
Fastened together the two pieces of wood (i.e. adze + handle) with Necol
cement.
Sprayed all with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate.
Dish 106l
Red pottery
Thin wash of white material looking like lime outside + on inside edge. This
is CaCO3 (little SO3, no CaO (i.e. not alkaline)
Some perished leather adherent. Chipped off greater part of this + removed
rest with water
Ear-ring 25a (2)
In two pieces: washed: no corrosion
Repaired with Necol cement
Box 46u
Very small wooden box. In pieces
Cleaned with damp brush
Repaired with Necol cement
68
Ear-ring 25a (Found in Faience Vase 25)
Glass - black + white bands alternating
One end (both black + white) covered with crystalline deposit. This gave
re-actions for Cl, CO3 + alkalinity. Removed with HCl + water +
well soaked in water. Surface underneath pitted. The decomposed end still
covered with white spots (apparently SiO2) This shows up on the
black
Pottery Dish (red) No 15
Brushed with dry brush
Alabaster Vase No 55
Much stained with dark brown material
Luting material (remains of) at top = wax
Cleaned with xylol
Alabaster Vase No 20
Much stained with dark brown material
Lute = wax
Cleaned with xylol
Alabaster Vase No 27
Washed with water
Bottom which was in separate piece was found with floor rubbish + fastened
in with Necol cement
69
Pottery 106c
Pieces of a large red pottery jar.
Perished leather adhering. Chipped this off. Wash of white material (looking
like lime wash) on outside. This is largely CuCO3 (a little
SO3)
Pottery Vases 23 + 24
Red: painted
Washed with water
23 has bottom broken off. Mended with Necol cement.
Jar No 105
Pottery: brownish yellow: broken + bottom missing
Remains of white plaster-like material at top for fixing on the cover (rush
work) This is essentially CaSO4 (a little CaCO3 only)
70
Sticks 135
Plain hard wood: sponged
135i, t, s (a small loose wooden stud at bottom fixed in with Necol cement)
h (ends covered with gold on glass: sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate)
q, r, u, y ends ornamented with bark work: these ends treated with melted
paraffin wax
135bb, w
135aa, r, cc, x Ends ornamented: waxed.
d, j, e, f, a, l, k, g, c, m, b, n, o, p, y
all treated with melted paraffin wax (heated in sun previously)
Several of the sticks were worm eaten
Bow 135z
Treated with melted paraffin wax
Dish 170
Faience.
Shallow dish - saucer shaped, in 3 pieces.
Considerable amount of glaze on surface - colour now very very light
brown - almost white - suggestion of green in one small spot. (? whether
has been green originally)
One piece stained dark brown
Boiled in water - brown glue-like material
exuded
Boiled with NaOH, then with HCl, then repeatedly with water (glue-like
material exuded each time)
Mended with Necol cement
Saddles (wooden) for Harness 158
Boss of metal nail at top of gold (scarlet)
with granules + lines of yellow gold
71
Faience Vase 63
Blue: Cartouche green.
Patches of glaze craked + falling off. Pieces now
too large for bare spots, evidently glaze has expanded or biscuit
contracted. Refastened with Necol cement.
Rest of glaze strong + adherent but has surface cracks in places: in parts
is now white on surface + these white patches have glazed appearance.
Sponged with damp sponge.
Faience Vase 20
Green (light) with a few patches of a darker green. Over part of surface
there was a smooth thin layer of a pinkish colour - this readily flaked
off. In place there are black patches on the green (not merely surface
discoloration). Very little glaze left Cartouche is purple colour.
Sponge with damp sponge
Faience vases 31
Similar to 25: similar pinkish layer: cartouches purple: a few small blue
patches on one very little glaze left
Sponged with damp sponge.
Box 37
Coated outside with thin black coating - brilliant + looks like pitch: Not
pitch. Sprayed with alcohol partly dissolved black coating + caused it to
adhere.
Box 115
Yellow paint outside: this rubs off when damp. Black coating inside: a large
number of small dead beetles at bottom.
Cleaned with dry brush
Sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate to prevent paint flaking off.
Refastened loose pieces of cornice with cellulose cement
Nome Standard 37 (a)
Figure of snake wood covered with gesso gilt
Feather bronze gilt
Base wood coated black.
Gold very largely plum colour with bloom
Embedded in black of base a number of small dead beetles (The beetles seem
very similar to those on stands of ankh-torch holders + in box 115.
Removed dirt with dry brush. Cleaned with damp brush: sprayed with celluloid
in amyl acetate.
72
Sticks 48 n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, r + w.
Heated in sun + waxed.
Repaired where necessary with celluloid cement.
Sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate before waxing
73
Canopy 123
Wood, covered with gesso gilt.
Gold mostly very yellow - one piece plum colour
Washed with damp brush: perished leather fallen or removed: Sprayed with a
solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
Heated in sun and treated with melted paraffin wax
Sticks with Captives
48a. Faience knob
Gesso gilt. Much plum colour with bloom.
Washed with damp brush. Sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate. Waxed.
48b Faience knob
Gesso gilt: mostly yellow, some plum colour Treated as 48a
48c Faience knob.
Gesso gilt: much plum colour with bloom. Treated as 48a
Quiver 48x
Treated with paraffin wax.
Tapestry woven fabric - light brown with blue pattern went very dark + both
pattern + colour became obliterated.
Mannikin 116
Crown yellow
Face + neck red
Body white
Paint over thin gesso
Gesso cracking + peeling off.
Sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate
Treated with melted paraffin wax
Yellow became more intense
Red became rather sickly
White became very dark owing to wood beneath darkening.
74
Stick 48d Ivory knob, stained red.
Gesso gilt mostly dark plum colour with bloom
Treated as 48a
Stick 48e No captive on end
Plain wood: one end for some distance covered with thin gold sheet over
gesso. Gold yellow with patches of plum colour.
Washed with damp sponge.
Cleaned gold with ammonia and afterwards washed with water.
Bow 48f
Removed dust with bellows.
Waxed.
Bows 48g (1), 48g (2), 48i (1)
Dusted: sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate
Heated in sun: treated with melted paraffin wax
Bow 48h.
Wide bands of plain gold - yellow, tarnished - dull red patches: narrower
band of worked gold - the same
Dusted: cleaned with damp brush
Sprayed with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate
Crook Handle 79e
Cylindrical pieces of black + white alternately on bronze or copper rod.
Black is glass (or obsidian) - inlaid with gold White is a natural stone
(No CaCO3 Fairly soft) Inlaid with translucent calcite.
Mirror Handle 54 ddd 5
Part of (?)
Gold, Silver + coloured inlay
Gold + Silver very tarnished, silver grey.
Cleaned with NH3 + afterwards with KcN
Washed with water.
Both gold + silver came fairly clean + bright
Refastened loose piece of silver with Necol cement.
Bow 48l
Chiefly plain hard wood
Centre + ends gesso gilt.
Washed with damp sponge.
Ends sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate
Stick 48m
Plain: Broken: Washed with water. Mended with Necol cement. Re-stuck ivory
knob with Necol cement.
75
Bows 48i (2) 48 j (1) + 48 j (2), k (1) k (2)
Repaired with Necol cement
Sprayed (except j (2)) with celluloid in amyl acetate.
Heated in sun. Waxed
Box (small) 14a (One ant like insect found)
Veneer ebony + ivory
Cleaned with damp brush.
Repaired, using Necol cement + Celluloid cement. Sprayed with celluloid in
amyl acetate.
Box 79. Cleaned with damp brush.
Panel with painted design in front: paint yellow (removed by water) covered
with slight protective coating which soon washes off.
Refastened loose veneer (red wood + ebony) with casein adhesive.
Bed 47 (Claws of feet = silver: almost black but one became quite bright
with NH3
Washed with damp sponge
Repaired with Necol cement
76
Hawks 157, 160, 112 (all feet bronze)
Chipped off perished leather from 157 + 160
Cleaned with damp sponge + damp brush
159
Wood with bronze rods, covered with gesso gilt
Gold very yellow.
Sprayed with celluloid in amyl acetate.
Repaired with Necol cement.
160 (Natural stone ? calcite round eyes: eyes obsidian) (Beak bronze)
Wood with bronze rods covered with very thin gesso and gold sheeting. Gold
bright yellow generally with patches of reddish-brown, but grey on breast
and under side of body.
Cleaned with Scrubbs ammonia (grey became bright yellow and reddish patches
cleaned off leaving gold bright yellow)
Washed with water: repaired with Necol cement.
112
Wood with bronze rods (base bronze): covered with thick gesso, + very thin
gilt. Gold mostly a dark plum colour. Sprayed with celluloid in amyl
acetate. Repaired with Necol cement.
In Cairo Two loose ebony ends to one of the cubits fixed on with with glue before exhibiting.
