Silver and nickel pins in entomology: historical attempts at combating corrosion problems in insect collections

We describe some examples of silver and nickel entomological pins and provide the context for their promotion and use. Insects pinned with these silver pins have been identified and an example of subsequent corrosion illustrated. The aim is to highlight the possible existence of silver in this context, which generally has not been considered in historical collections. This is compared in appearance with other kinds of metal corrosion that can occur in museum insect collections. Pins made from other materials are referred to.