Gun Update
I have been getting a few inquiries about the progress of the Gun. Due to regulations from the war time artifacts people the City cannot just set the Gun back on the Beach without first restoring it to a proper condition.(Added below) It is very costly to get this work done and we all know there isn't a lot of free cash around these days. Our friend Colwyn has sent me a contact who may be able to help with the recondition at a much cheaper end cost.
We will see.
CITY OF HAMILTON CIVIC MUSEUMS
CONSERVATION
Re: ARTILLERY RESTORATION
Object: German 77mm Field Gun, World War 1 Model 1916
Fabricated by Friedrich Krupp in 1917
Location: Dundurn Park(Now stored elsewhere)
Research
Before the restoration process begins, historical research is required to determine the desired end product with accuracy. Paint colours and sheens, removable fittings, and replacement parts will have to be researched in order to restore the piece to an accurate representation of this gun. Phil White, conservator at the Canadian War Museum, may be able to provide guidance in this area. Budget may be the determining factor where decisions regarding replicas of original parts must be made.
Treatment
Museum quality conservation treatment would be prohibitively expensive, and not recommended since the gun will be displayed outdoors. The following are general guidelines for a modified version of a museum quality restoration:
1. Leave all original material intact. Carry out repairs to damaged/deteriorated components only with techniques and materials approved in advance by a conservator.
2. All new surface coatings must appear authentic in colour and finish, based on research.
3 Coat all working surfaces (which would normally have been oiled/greased) with a hard, rust-inhibiting film, such as LPS HardCoat Corrosion Protectant. This film resembles oil but it is not soft or tacky, and it is removable with solvents.
4. Replace missing components with accurate replicas. Permanently mark all new components as replicas in an inconspicuous area, e.g., with an "R/1994" stamped on the surface.
5. Once disassembled and treated, render movable parts immovable during reassembly with the application of a high-strength, threadlocking adhesive such as Loctite Threadlocker 272 (removable with heat and hand tools).
6. Leave compact surface rust and layers of adherent, non-original paint intact to continue their preservative functions, except where these surfaces might interfere with the bonding of repair materials (e.g., epoxy or polyester resins). Remove loose paint and rust mechanically or by means of organic air abrasive media. Paint compact surface rust with a high-quality, slow-drying red oxide primer before applying the finish coats of paint.
7. Use slow-drying, industrial enamel (alkyd) paints for repainting all surfaces.
More specific treatments:
1. Thoroughly clean the bore of the barrel, then coat it with a solvent cutback, rust preventive compound designed for severe conditions, e.g., Tectyl 891 from Valvoline.
2. The iron tires on the artillery wheels should not be painted. Remove the black paint and coat the underlying compact rust substrate with a rust converter such as Rust Oleum Rust Reformer or Loctite Extend. The condition of these areas should be monitored.
3. The rotted parts of the proper right wooden wheel will have to be strengthened in order to support the gun carriage. Introduce new material (wood/metal) in an inconspicuous manner so that it will be undetectable after priming and painting. Avoid mild steel hardware in favour of stainless steel. Avoid two dissimilar metals in contact with each other.
Records of the complete restoration process, including photodocumentation, specific materials and sources, and methods are required of the restorers) to be presented on completion of work. ...
Display
The gun, if it is displayed outdoors, should be on a platform and under shelter in order to avoid the destructive elements of nature. The restoration of this piece would be senseless if it were to be displayed without these minimum preventive measures.
Maintenance
It is essential that a plan for maintaining the restored gun be established and that funds are in place in order to ensure its long term preservation. The plan should include regular inspection of the piece, rotation of the wheels, upkeep of the painted surfaces, recoating of the iron tires, etc., as well as upkeep of the shelter. Guidelines for maintaining the piece should be required of the contract restorers).
Therese Charbonneau Conservator Cultural Services 1998