Cleaning and preserving historical artifacts is a delicate balance, especially when it comes to items like the bronze cannon used at the Battle of the Alamo. Chris Dostal, an assistant professor of nautical archaeology at Texas A&M University, recently worked on the conservation of this cannon, ensuring that it was properly restored without compromising its historical integrity.
During the conservation process, the team at Texas A&M University used a method called electrolytic reduction to stabilize the cannon and remove any compounds that could cause corrosion over time. This method helped to ensure that the cannon’s appearance remained authentic and did not look overly polished or shiny, which would misrepresent its historical significance.
However, after the cannon was returned to the Alamo, white chalky deposits began to appear on its surface. Through a series of experiments and tests, the team was able to determine that the deposits were carbon-based and were likely a result of a previous treatment. To address this issue, a low-concentration solution of formic acid was applied to neutralize the carbonates and prevent future outbreaks without harming the underlying metal.
The conservation process also provided insights into the construction of the cannon and the way metals were formed during the early part of Texas history. Through fluorescence testing and analysis, it was revealed that the cannon was relatively poorly-made and not crafted by a particularly experienced foundry. This delicate artifact presented unique challenges during the conservation process, unlike anything the team had encountered before.
Overall, the restoration and preservation of the Alamo cannon required careful consideration and expertise to ensure that its historical significance was preserved while addressing issues of corrosion and deposits. The work done by Chris Dostal and his team highlights the importance of proper conservation techniques in maintaining and showcasing historical artifacts for future generations to appreciate and learn from.