After excavation, copper alloy silver and gold objects ought to be removed from the ground as soon as possible and steps should be taken immediately to protect them from the ambient environment. This article deals with: the lifting of objects (gives a list of materials and equipment); packaging materials containers for transportation, moisture control methods for use with packaging. If objects are lifted and packed up according to the procedures here described they can be preserved for some months until laboratory facilities are available for their treatment. A list of types of damage caused by mishandling in the field is given. 15 references.