Understanding the Age of Writings, Documents, Inks, and Order of Writings

Age of Writings, Documents, Inks, and Order of Writings

Age of Writing:

The age of a document can offer valuable insights into its authenticity and history. Several factors aid in determining the age of writings:

1. Paper Analysis: The age of paper can be deduced from watermarks, fiber composition, and sizing material.

2. Ink Aging: The color change in ink due to oxidation or diffusion of chemicals can provide an approximate age.

3. Pen Type: The use of specific pen types can indicate the time period, such as ballpoint pens after 1950.

4. Distinct Marks: Revenue stamps, seals, and other marks may change over time, helping to estimate the document's age.

5. Material Condition: Changes in constituent materials over time may hint at the document's age.

6. Anachronistic Features: Anomalies like incorrect place names, postal codes, or historical details can unveil forgery.

7. International Ink Library: A database of ink samples helps date old documents using UV, IR, and chemical analysis.

Inks:

Types of Inks:

Different inks serve various purposes, including:

Indian Ink: Carbon suspended in water.

Iron Gallo tannate Ink: Contains tannic and gallic acids with ferrous salts, often used in fountain pens.

Dyestuff Ink: Solutions of single or mixed dyes, not permanent.

Ball Pen Ink: Mixtures of dyes in a suitable vehicle.

Ink Comparison:

Methods like thin-layer chromatography aid in comparing inks for authenticity. Dye composition separation patterns distinguish different inks.

Order of Writing:

Determining the sequence of strokes can unveil fraudulent additions. Factors like ink spreading, pen furrows, disturbed fibers, and overlaps reveal the order of writing.

Evaluation of Printed Matter:

Identifying illegal prints involves analyzing printing press characteristics:

1. Class Characteristics: Printing press design and type specifications create class characteristics.

2. Individual Characteristics: Unique defects due to setting, arrangement, or handling during printing.

3. Verification: Proof copies or genuine sample copies aid in confirming the identity of disputed printed matter.

Examples:

a. If a document claims to be from the 19th century but uses modern postal codes, it raises suspicion of forgery.

b. A manuscript that appears to be from a particular era but uses a ballpoint pen could indicate a fabrication.

c. Indented writings on a sheet beneath another could reveal a hidden message, showing the order of writing.

d. Analyzing ink composition through chromatography helps distinguish between different periods.

Understanding these techniques and characteristics aids in uncovering the authenticity and age of writings, allowing experts to distinguish genuine documents from forgeries.