Cleaning of historical scientific instruments: first analytical studies, 2019 IMEKO TC4 International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

During the recent decades the identification of scientific instruments as a cultural heritage objects, has been drawing more attention to their preservation: a lack of knowledge is drastically evident and fill it is demanding. Varnishes from the 18th century applied as finishing of brass component in Europe are known as imitation of Chinese lacquer coming from the oriental tradition. It was considered to own the best aesthetic and mechanical properties in that period during which the manufacturing reached its apogee, and today it protects a great number of historical masterpieces’ surface. A non-invasive methodology is employed to characterize the varnish reproduced with a traditional recipe and to monitor the effect of three cleaning methods widely spread within the restorers’ community.