MCI Project Summaries 2008 - Smithsonian Institution

MCI 6238 Madam C.J. Walker Pin
MCI Staff: Carol A. Grissom, Jennifer Giaccai, R. Jeff Speakman
A pin in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American
History and Culture was probably made for an “agent” of the Madam C. J. Walker
Manufacturing Company. It was likely worn as a badge at a convention sponsored by the
company, which manufactured hair care products and cosmetics for African Americans. The pin
has four decorative elements. At the top is a gilt-brass-framed photomechanical representation of
a handshake, likely printed on cellulose nitrate. At the center is a rectangular white cellulose
nitrate plate with the name Alice Gauser or Garner written in ink on it, hanging by a pair of brass
chains from the handshake frame. At the bottom is a gilt-brass-framed photomechanical
reproduction of a photograph of Madam Walker by the Washington (DC) photographer Addison
Scurlock, hanging by a second pair of brass chains from the name plate. This image is likely also
printed on cellulose nitrate. A ribbon, now missing, almost certainly hung from a large
attachment hook on the back of the pin.
The purpose of the technical study was to determine if the pin could or should be cleaned
prior to exhibition. Scattered galvanic corrosion was apparent on the gilt-brass frames, but its
removal might accelerate corrosion and is not recommended. Cleaning of cellulose nitrate
portions of the pin is also not recommended, as it could increase the rate of cellulose nitrate
deterioration. Cellulose nitrate-containing objects should be stored at low humidity, e.g., 20%, in
order to reduce the risk of hydrolysis of the cellulose nitrate. The pin should not be kept in a
tightly sealed container in order to avoid build up of nitric acid, should hydrolysis begin.
An additional concern was scratching of the photomechanical reproductions of Madam
Walker and the handshake. Use of soft materials is recommended around these elements for
packing. Cavity packing in Ethafoam is recommended to prevent the chains or pins from
scratching the cellulose nitrate prints.
104