dk nkf - Nordisk Konservatorforbund Danmark

ut so has its physical appearance and value. These
new attributes would have to be considered in the
conservation treatment.
A systematic decision making process was employed
and can be summarised in four stages.
1. Information: Gathering information involved
searching through historic records and patents
to learn about the objects origin, followed by
further research into the history of inductor
coils. In addition, an analytical investigation was
needed to identify the various materials from
which the object is made.
2. Condition assessment: Though the physical
condition of the object was obvious an
assessment of its stability was needed to
determine if the materials were in immediate
danger of further deterioration.
3. Establishing significance: Defining the object’s
value as a historic object and its relation to the
museum’s collection.
4. Conservation treatment: A conservation
treatment was needed which was appropriate to
the needs of the object and how it would be used
within the collection.
Stage 1: Information
Background research concluded this coil was built
by Eugene Ducretet (1844-1915). Ducretet was a
manufacturer of scientific instruments in Paris, France
[7]. The most probable construction date for this
particular instrument is the early 1890s. Ducretet’s
inductor coil is typical of French designs at the time,
consisting of a large rectangular box and filled with
some kind of resin to act as an insulator [8] (figure 5).
Analytical results determined the box to be constructed
of mahogany with brass, bone and vulcanised rubber
fittings and an iron core. The resin was identified
using FTIR as poor quality shellac combined with
pine rosin. This is also supported by the historic
information gathered and explains the higher glass
transition temperature observed for the material.
The first inductor coils were created in the mid
1800s to transform low voltage electricity into high
voltage electricity. In its most basic form, an inductor
coil consists of two coils of wire, a primary and a
secondary, wrapped around an iron core. An electrical
charge of high current and low voltage is passed
through the primary coil which induces a low current
but with high voltage in the secondary coil [9].
Stage 2: Assessment of Condition
Based on the information gathered it was concluded
that the inductor coil was in no immediate threat
of further deterioration. The cause of the damage
to the base of the object was linked to improper
handling when it was lifted from its packing crate.
Furthermore, the cause of the resin seepage was
discovered to be that the object was stored on its end
while in the crate.
There are no signs of corrosion on any of the
materials nor do they pose any harm to surrounding
objects. The investigation concluded that what
damage there is has already taken place and, except
for the continuing flow of the resin, the object is in
stable condition.
Stage 3: Establishing Significance
The historic significance of the object is fairly
obvious. This machine is an example of early
electrical engineering and represents part of the life
and accomplishments of Eugene Ducretet, who aided
the mass production of scientific instruments for
wider use. However, it had also become apparent that
due to its physical alterations this object had taken
on a new function as an aesthetic entity whose visual
impact was appreciated by audiences.
Figure 4. Illustration of a typical 19th century French
manufactured inductor coil, from Armagnat 1908.
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