Seax? and a conservation question

[Matchlock]

Originally Posted by G. McCormack

My understanding is that washing may be the best option, and that the tannin treatment really doesnt do anything.

Sorry to differ but in my 30 years of restoring experience, tannin has definitely proved to have a both cementing and tightening effect. Moreover it generates a very smooth and homogenous black surface. Nor more problems with material losses of excavated iron objects!
You may ask any good museum restorer.

Michael