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: 06-27.16
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, Land Title Cases (Winchester Family Papers)
Creator: Unknown
Date of Production: Unknown
Place of Production: Unknown
Approximate Dimensions: 31.5cm x 19.3cm (12 3/8”x7 9/16”) 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 legibility of the manuscript and facilitate access and handling.
Description
General
(31.5cm x 19.3cm),
The manuscript is written on machine made paper.
Media
Black writing ink: The manuscript is written in evenly applied, medium density, black writing ink. The ink appears darker under UV light, consistent with iron gall ink.
Primary Support
The primary support is a single leaf of white, good quality, medium weight, wove paper. The paper has a slightly textured surface. There is an impressed stamp on the back in the upper right corner. The leaf was folded multiple times in both directions, creating a grid of creases.
Condition
General
The item is in fair condition overall.
Media
The ink has browned overall. There is minor haloing and minor burn through. There is no
evidence of fall-out.
Primary Support
There is a heavy layer of grime covering the item, with the heaviest layer on the back in the upper half and lower left corner. The paper has faded to a bluish-grey. There is significant staining (15.5cm x 10.5cm) from the right edge, across ¾ of the leaf. The staining pattern is consistent with water damage while the document was folded into quarters. In addition, there are minor losses at the bottom of the leaf and along the folds.
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: Minor particulate offset observed, however, it is likely that the particulate matter is grime and not ink. There was no dye offset observed with the wet testing.
Treatment Proposal
- Dry clean as possible
- Mend as necessary
- Rehouse in original folder
Treatment Performed
1) Tested for media solubility. (30 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. (30 min.)
4) Mended tears in the manuscript with Manila hemp lens paper and wheat starch paste. (30 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
1 hours 50 minutes