By The History Detectives Team
24 July 2008
Category: Viewer Mailbag
Patti's question:
I have a homestead certificate from Territory of Oklahomaand was interested if u could tell me how to tell if it is an original? It has two raised seals on it and Theodore Roosevelt's signature on it,whom was the president of the U.S. at that time, 1906.How can i tell if it is a copy or an original?
Dear Patti,
Generally speaking, a document can be examined from three differentaspects: historical, scientific, and stylistic to help tell if its anoriginal or not.
At the very least, materials and techniques must be consistent with placeand time. Many forgeries are identified by the presence of materials thatdidn't exist at the time alleged. Also, the content of the letter mustcorrespond to the time period.
Always look at the method of printing, address, and even the stamp may beimportant. Compare the stamps, seals or print to other documents duringthat time period.
A detailed paper analysis will detect every shred of physical evidenceconcealed in a document. Paper can be seen under a microscope and canreveal many details. Infrared light and chemical tests can prove that morethan one ink was used. More than one pen can be confirmed by looking atmicroscopic marks in the ink, which means it was probably traced.
People have three signatures: formal on important papers, routine onpaperwork, and informal on notes. If a signature doesn't suit thedocument, it may be a tracing. Look for uneven flows of ink, a printedcopy will usually display even ink.
Comparisons of style are essential for authentication. Penmanship,cultural phrasing, and form of address can help to identify both the eraand author. In a handwriting comparison, the examiner looks fordiscrepancies in the vertical positioning of letters, space between lines,or a slant variance of five degrees or more.
If all else fails, turn to the experts. They are usually happy to let youknow if your presidential signature is real of not.
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