Steel Hedgehog Beach Obstacle

National Museum of the U.S. Army, Fort Belvoir, VA

We were contracted to preserve a World War II “Czech Hedgehog” anti-tank obstacle for the National Museum of the U. S. Army. These simple but effective structures were some of the beach obstacles that were overcome during the D-Day landings at Normandy Beach in WW II. The goal of the treatment was to stabilize the ferrous metal parts using means and methods that minimized visual impact and ensured the longest lasting preservation.

Treatment was carried out at our studio in Forestville, MD. The treatment of the hedgehog involved the removal of existing soiling and corrosion, stabilization of the metal surfaces, and the application of a corrosion-inhibiting wax coating.

Upon completion of the project, a full report of all treatment steps along with photographic documentation was submitted to the client.