Tom,

Are your museum conservators technical types who KNOW the difference
between the two gear profiles, or are they political appointees
throwing their weight around?

If the latter case just make the appropriate drawings and tell the gear
cutting outfit verbally that alternative, better, cheaper, profiles are
acceptable. (The "cheaper" is to CYA)

Unless, of course, your museum has sooooo much money to throw around on
this that one could make a career out of this one job. (I'm available
as a consultant on this! )

Let us know what finally happens.

Regards,

Wolfgang