En 17168 ((free))

Review of EN 17168: Cultural Heritage — Conservation of Cultural Heritage — Guidelines for the Management, Recording, Conservation and Care of Arms and Armour Collections

Height and Visibility

• Minimum barrier height: 1,100 mm from platform level (to deter climbing, but allow PRM assistance).
• Maximum transparency obstruction: Glass barriers are permitted, but must have high-contrast visual markings at 500 mm and 1,000 mm heights for partially sighted passengers.

8. Common Pitfalls (For Design Engineers)

• ❌ Using adhesive-only attachment without positive locking – not allowed.
• ❌ Backing plate holes too close to edge (<8 mm from edge) – causes splitting under load.
• ✅ Recommended: Use at least 4 mechanical fasteners per friction block, diameter ≥6 mm.

1. Executive Summary

EN 17168 is a European Standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It provides a comprehensive framework for the care, management, and conservation of arms and armour within heritage institutions.

Released in 2019, this standard addresses a critical gap in heritage science. While general conservation standards exist (such as those for metals or textiles), arms and armour are unique hybrid objects that combine complex materials (metals, leather, wood, textile, bone) with mechanical functionality and historical significance. EN 17168 moves beyond simple "repair" and establishes a modern, preventive conservation approach tailored specifically to these objects. en 17168