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Patti's question:
I have a homestead certificate from Territory of Oklahoma
and 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 different
aspects: historical, scientific, and stylistic to help tell if its an
original or not.
At the very least, materials and techniques must be consistent with place
and time. Many forgeries are identified by the presence of materials that
didn’t exist at the time alleged. Also, the content of the letter must
correspond to the time period.
Always look at the method of printing, address, and even the stamp may be
important. Compare the stamps, seals or print to other documents during
that time period.
A detailed paper analysis will detect every shred of physical evidence
concealed in a document. Paper can be seen under a microscope and can
reveal many details. Infrared light and chemical tests can prove that more
than one ink was used. More than one pen can be confirmed by looking at
microscopic marks in the ink, which means it was probably traced.
People have three signatures: formal on important papers, routine on
paperwork, and informal on notes. If a signature doesn't suit the
document, it may be a tracing. Look for uneven flows of ink, a printed
copy 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 era
and author. In a handwriting comparison, the examiner looks for
discrepancies in the vertical positioning of letters, space between lines,
or a slant variance of five ° or more.
If all else fails, turn to the experts. They are usually happy to let you
know if your presidential signature is real of not.
Find out what forgery experts look for with our Handwriting Verification
feature.
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