Scanning Passbooks

[Edward]

Hello All,

Any ideas on how to scan passbooks without damaging them? Thanks in advance.

Regards

[Gary T]

Hello All,

Any ideas on how to scan passbooks without damaging them? Thanks in advance.

Regards

How does scanning them damage them?

[Edward]

How does scanning them damage them?

Hi Gary,

I'm speaking from ignorance on this one. but wouldn't the passbook have to be flattend out on the scanner...similar when using a photocopy machine? If so, wouldn't flattening out a passbook possibly weaken the binding?

Regards

[JeremyJ]

Scanning

Hi Edward,

To your point, yes scanning could possible damage the SB or WP but the basic "rule of thumb" is not to apply to much pressure on the scanning cover. Assuming you're not scanning the book on a daily basis a bit of flattening should not be an issue.

To be honest in thinking of the SB I own I can't really remember any which don't already comply with laying falt on a scanner bed, WP are a differant manner since their spines were typically more substantially reinforced.

Considering these documents are only paper every time you open a piece you are weakening the binding, so scanning should not be a worry.


Jeremy

[Edward]

Hello Jeremy,

Thanks for the info. Good stuff, it's about what I figured. Having collected way before scanners it is something that I was curious about. Most of the big dealers on line use scanners and last year I received a very nice Wehrpass which was in overall great condition...no water damage, rust, excessive wear ect... except for what appeared to be typical binder stress caused from having been flattened out which in turn had caused the passbook cover to come loose from the binding staples. I realize that time and wear...not too mention a war have taken there toll on such items it's tough to say exactly what damage occured when. Even before scanners collectors and dealers were doing the same thing with photocopy machines.

Regards