Jonathan Holmes writes:

> The gas used is safe to all materials, rubber, paint, cloth, felt and
> steel, etc., and is the accepted way to treat all objects and is used
> by all galleries and museums, but it is deadly to all, and I must
> stress ALL living things. I am sure this service is available world
> wide.

The firm that does this in UK told me recently (after treating several
of our instruments in the way Jonathan describes) that EEC regulations
are likely to force them to withdraw the service at some point in time,
so don't hesitate for too long!

David Evans
Mechanical music instrument restorer, Hampshire, UK