treatment options for daguerreotypes
Due to the delicate nature of daguerreotypes, much care must be taken in treatment. Without proper knowledge, these materials can easily be permanently damaged, evidenced by past attempts to clean images with materials like cyanide which caused irreparable damage. While properly sealed daguerreotypes have survived for over a hundred and fifty years, those not properly sealed begin to tarnish, similar to silverware. A daguerreotype collection in good condition may only require minimal cleaning with compressed air through an ear syringe but for more intensive treatment, a conservator should be called in. Below are current practices for more in depth cases of treating both a deteriorating photo and the original case.
Treating the Photo
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Treating the Case
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