[Archive]

Posted By: john

Conducting ink analysis on an item is available. The tops in the country is Dr. Al Lyter. He's based in Raleigh, N.C. You're looking at a minimum of 1500 for starters. The specific ink can be identified and with ball point ink, the specific year can be identified (if post 1971). He can tell you if the ink was produced commercially and by what manufacturer and what era. He's pretty amazing. If the ink is early, let's say pre 1900, chances are its not a commercial ink. He then can tell you if the ink is carbon based, iron based, etc. There is an additional test where he determines if the ink has been placed on the item in the last 10 years. The process is costly and can be time consuming(he usually is 6-8 weeks out for new work). If you're analyzing a high value item, the process is worth it and then some. Google his name, you'll find his site and many news stories on his work. The ink doesn't have to be "scraped off" as Richard stated. It can be removed with a small guage needle, puncturing the item at the end of the signature, maybe where the "t" crosses. He usually can get the ink sample where you'd never notice