Handling and treatment of finds

REWARDS CAN BE REDUCED OR WAIVED FOR ANY FIND WHICH HAS BEEN CLEANED OR DAMAGED THROUGH INAPPROPRIATE TREATMENT.

• Do not clean finds since this may remove the original surface and can cause the loss of microscopic detail.
• Allow damp finds to dry slowly but keep away from direct heat sources such as fires and radiators.
• Keep finds in separate bags as bronze disease (bright green/bluish areas) will contaminate other finds.
• Label each bag with the name of the findspot and the grid reference (two letters six figures).
• If a find is taken from a water-logged place such as a peat bog keep the object damp. You can do this by digging out some peat and placing it round the find until it is covered then sealing it in a plastic container or bag. Do not let it dry out. Contact the TTU for assistance as soon as possible.
• If a find has come from a river or loch, then wrap it in a wet cloth and seal it in a plastic bag or fill a plastic container with water and keep it covered. Contact theTTU for assistance as soon as possible.
• Never apply sealants, lacquers, waxes or other substances such as fake patinas to finds submitted for Treasure Trove purposes. Rewards will be reduced or waived for any find which has been treated in this way.
• The surface of an object may still have traces of enamelling or gilding as well as evidence of manufacturing techniques. Cleaning or applying substances damages or destroys information about the find which can be discovered through the use of microscopic and analytical techniques.
• Surface corrosion, particularly on bronze, can have the same colour and appearance as enamels (eg red) so it is important never to brush these areas. It is often only under high magnification that details such as worn enamels and residues of gilding become visible and these add both information and value to finds.
• The TTU can supply finds bags and packing materials on request.