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The paper reports on three applications of micro-Raman spectroscopy which were carried out in the Laboratory for Conservation Research of the Collections Centre of the Swiss National Museums. The first application addresses archaeological questions about three early mediaeval fibulae which were decorated with gemstones. The determination of different corrosion products on pigeon cameras by micro-Raman spectroscopy is described in the second part of this article. The last case study discusses an example from the field of preventive conservation where changes on metal coupons from the so-called Oddy test were analysed.

Historical brass instruments that are played regularly face a number of risks to their preservation in the long run. Apart from mechanical damage caused by intensive handling and normal wear and tear, one of the major threats is the interior humidity accumulated through and during playing. As far as brass instruments are concerned, no investigations have yet been undertaken to measure the amount of humidity accumulated during playing and its damage potential. With the aid of climate measurements and complementary tests, the effective corrosive impact of regular playing on the interior surfaces of brass instruments was assessed over a period of several months. Based on the insights gained there, potential preventive conservation strategies were evaluated, and maintenance measures suggested that musicians could implement in situ and with ease.