M.S.I.S Candidate, University of Texas-Austin, School of Information
C.A.S. Conservation Candidate, Kilgarlin Center for Preservation of the Cultural Record

After Treatment

Treatment Information

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Date: 5/4/06       Temporary ID: 06-27.15                        

Conservator: Fletcher Durant

Identification of Artifact

Owner/Custodian:         Center for American History

Address:                        Sid Richardson Hall 2.101

                                      1 University Station D1100

                                    University of Texas at Austin

                                      Austin, TX 78712-0335

Curator/Contact:            Brenda Gunn

Title:                              Legal Document, William Mcafrey vs. John A. Mason (Winchester Family Papers)

Creator:                         John A. Mason

Date of Production: Unknown

Place of Production: Unknown

Approximate Dimensions: 25.1cm x 20.3cm (9 7/8”x8”) h/w

Authorization

The undersigned requests and authorizes the Kilgarlin Center University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX, to undertake conservation treatment of the artifact described in the attached Condition Report according to the procedures outlined in the appended Treatment Proposal.  In the event the Owner/Custodian authorizes the Kilgarlin Center to proceed with the treatment recommended in the proposal such authorization shall be deemed to include acceptance by the depositor of the terms and conditions appearing in the original Authorization for Examination and Treatment.

Signature of Responsible Officer

For Owner/Custodian:                                        

Date:       

Treatment Objectives

To improve the physical stability and legibility of the manuscript in order to facilitate access and handling.

Description

General

(25.1cm x 20.3cm)

The manuscript is written on paper.  The manuscript covers one side with a single small notation on the back.

Media

Black writing ink: The manuscript is written in a single, even hand.  A medium density black writing ink was applied, with increasing density from the top to the bottom.  In two locations, the ink appears to have been blotted while wet, leaving evidence of a preliminary blue colorant, possibly indigo.  The majority of the ink appears darker under UV light, which is consistent with iron gall ink.

Primary Support

The Primary Support is a single leaf of creamy, good quality, medium weight wove paper.  The paper has a slightly textured surface.  There are neither chain lines, nor a watermark.  The manuscript was folded horizontally, approximately into quarters.  The bottom and center folds were adjusted at least once, creating secondary creases.  The folded manuscript was then folded vertically once.

Condition

General

The item is in fair condition overall.

Media

In several locations, the ink has faded to brown.  There is haloing of the ink in locations of heavy application.  The ink exhibits moderate burn through, but with no evidence of fall-out.

Primary Support

There is a moderate layer of grime covering the item, particularly on sections on the back.  This exposure would be consistent with the pattern of creases on the item.  The paper has browned considerably and is stained at the edges and center fold.

The paper has short (0.3-1.5cm) tears and minor losses along the folds.  There are several (6) abraded areas (circumference 0.4-1.3cm) along the right side, possibly from pest damage.  None of the damage poses an immediate threat to the structural integrity of the document.

Photodocumentation

Digital images were taken before treatment in ambient, raking, and transmitted light.  The photographs include both overall and detailed shots.

Testing

Protocol

Media was tested at inconspicuous locations for offset using two methods, one dry and one wet.

• Tested for particulate offset using a dry cotton swab with gentle abrasion.
• Tested for dye offset using chromatography paper moistened with distilled water pressed over the media.

Results

• Black writing ink: Bluish particulate matter offset from the densest areas of ink with under gentle abrasion.  Brown colorant offset onto the chromatography paper after 15 seconds.  Blue colorant offset after 30 seconds.

Treatment Proposal

• Dry clean as possible
• Mend as necessary
• Rehouse in original folder

Treatment Performed

1) Tested for media solubility. (45 min.)

2) Lightly cleaned both sides of the document with a soft brush. (5 min.)

3) Dry cleaned both sides of the document with medium and fine grain Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser crumbs. (25 min.)

4) Mended tears in the manuscript with Manila hemp lens paper and wheat starch paste. (45 min.)

5) Dried mends under blotter and weight. (5 min.)

6) Placed completed item in an appropriately sized 70# Mohawk Paper folder. (10 min.)

Total Treatment Time

2 hours 15 minutes