Late war docs and UV testing

[John Ammons]

Guys, I'm wondering about the glow factor as it relates to late war award docs. I have handled a lot of awards docs and have never had one glow under UV lighting. However, that changed recently when I examined one that I am thinking about trading some other items for.

Here are the facts...

1. The award doc is dated May, 1945.

2. The paper is not the standard semi-stiff, card stock feeling paper that I have seen used on the other award docs I have. It is thinner and more flimsy feeling. I realize that toward the end of the war, things may have been printed on whatever was on hand.

3. The doc looks correct to me, is the correct size, seems original as compared to all references that I have seen of it in my books, and the signature looks period original and age faded.

4. BUT, the damn thing glows under UV light... not a bright white, flourescent glow like the printer paper I laid next to it... but a more splotchy glow like the paper is made out of some weird mixture of different paper pulps, or it has been exposed to something that has soaked into the paper and thus causes it to glow. When compared to other period docs I have on hand... it glows, and the others do not.

Thoughts???

[keifer kahn]

Splotchy glow?

Perhaps someone spilt something on it or someone has attempted to clean it by submersion in a detergent based solution.

[John Ammons]

Splotchy glow?

Perhaps someone spilt something on it or someone has attempted to clean it by submersion in a detergent based solution.

Keifer, I just edited my original post to mention that... and see you posted what I was thinking. What manner of "something" would cause this reaction though.

The doc does appear to have some slight smudging around the edges of it... almost as if the fellow it was awarded to had something on his hands while thumbing around with it.

[keifer kahn]

Hi John,
Ive seen crumpled and soiled docs immersed in detergent based cleaning solutions.They were laid in a shallow tray and allowed to soak,effectively removing most soiling and the wrinkles.While its soaking, the surface of the paper is rubbed(ultra lightly).This does maker the paper more fragile and utmost care must be taken removing the doc from the tray and placing it in an appropriate position to dry.The results are a big improvement in the docs look.

The reason i mention this, is that white fabric washed in detergent does glow and a comparative reaction may of taken place with your doc.
Im sorry but i never did check out if any of the docs that i saw undergo this procedure blacklighted.

Just a theory for you to pursue.

regards

[Simon O.]

I've come across original docs that have been 'contaminated' by an agent that gives the kind of effect you describe. Sounds like one of those cases when you have to look at all the elements that go into a doc and if everything else checks out then you're probably quite safe, depends on the doc of course and it's desirability\value.

[Craigob]

i have a doc that was contaminated in my care.. i left a wound doc between 2 sheets of moden white typing paperin a book.. 4-6 months later.. there is a slight glow.. that was before i educated myself on archiving

[John Ammons]

Thanks guys... mission accomplished and good lessons learned
all around.