Forensics identify 500-year-old documents

TL;DR

Smithsonian experts analyze tampered Columbus letters for authentication, revealing chemical alterations and trimmed stamps.

Transcript

sixty minutes overtime assistant US attorney Jamie McCall and homeland security special agent mark Alexa brought two of the suspected stolen columbus letters to the Smithsonian conservation lab in Maryland why did you go to the Smithsonian for help in this case the Smithsonian's able to identify have chemical agents been used to bleach the library ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💌 Smithsonian experts utilized digital imaging and paper conservation techniques to uncover chemical alterations and tampering on Columbus letters.
• 📚 Alterations included trimmed margins, removed library stamps, and size irregularities to obscure the documents' origins.
• 📜 Tampering with historical documents can involve aggressive actions to erase provenance and mislead potential purchasers.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the investigators approach the Smithsonian for help with the suspected altered Columbus letters?

The investigators sought the Smithsonian's expertise to identify chemical alterations, examine paper fibers, and detect any tampering on the historical documents crucial to their investigation.

Q: How did the imaging specialist at the Smithsonian use technology to uncover hidden alterations on the Columbus letters?

The imaging specialist utilized non-invasive digital imaging technology to reveal modifications or erasures on the letters that might not be visible to the naked eye, aiding in authenticity assessment.

Q: What physical evidence of tampering did the paper conservator at the Smithsonian observe on the Columbus letters?

The paper conservator identified disruptions and irregularities on the letters, indicating the use of chemical agents to bleach original library stamps and trim parts of the documents to conceal their true origins.

Q: Despite the tampering, why do the experts believe that the altered Columbus letters are authentic?

Despite the alterations and modifications, experts conclude that the Columbus letters are authentic documents that someone tried to manipulate to create a new history for the old texts.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Assistant US attorney and homeland security agent bring suspected tampered Columbus letters to Smithsonian for analysis.

• Smithsonian experts use digital imaging and paper conservation to reveal alterations on the 500-year-old letters.

• Traces of chemical agents, trimmed stamps, and size irregularities indicate tampering to obscure the letters' origins.