Author Topic: Ultraviolet or infrared for faded writing?  (Read 53494 times)

Offline Hogan Kit

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Ultraviolet or infrared for faded writing?
« on: Saturday 11 February 06 17:01 GMT (UK) »
My aunt has the family Bible with a whole host of potentially useful names.  Unfortunately only one stands out, dated 1717.  I took photos but can't tweak the faded writing into legibility.  From the net, I can't even work out what kind of light it is that would bring it up. I am going to North Wales, where the Bible is, next week, and I if could find out where and how to get it looked at or hire a camera or light or whatever needs to be done, at least it would get done.

Any suggestions, please?

Hogan Kit

Offline PB_Bear

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Re: Ultraviolet or infrared for faded writing?
« Reply #1 on: Saturday 11 February 06 17:14 GMT (UK) »
Infra-red isn't part of the visible spectrum. It's otherwise known as heat.

You're probably better off trying Ultra-violet. Taking your own sun-lamp?

You might also consider taking your PC and a good scanner to play with the greyscale levels more.

PB
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Offline Hogan Kit

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Re: Ultraviolet or infrared for faded writing?
« Reply #2 on: Saturday 11 February 06 17:21 GMT (UK) »
Cook the Book, eh?
Okay, Ultraviolet.  Thanks. Is it something I can locate / do myself, or do I need to take it to some experts somewhere somehow?

Offline PB_Bear

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Re: Ultraviolet or infrared for faded writing?
« Reply #3 on: Saturday 11 February 06 17:26 GMT (UK) »
Cook the Book, eh?
Okay, Ultraviolet.  Thanks. Is it something I can locate / do myself, or do I need to take it to some experts somewhere somehow?

You can get UV lightbulbs. Have a look around.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/black-light.htm

One possible site http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/variant_detail.asp?var=3395

PB
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Offline Hogan Kit

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Re: Ultraviolet or infrared for faded writing?
« Reply #4 on: Saturday 11 February 06 17:44 GMT (UK) »
I feel better already!  Thanks.  I have sent an email to the company in Berkshire.  All being well, if they have something that will suit, I can arrange for it to be sent to the address I'll be going to when I arrive in the UK and be able to at least see the writing if not photograph it.  It looks as if one should have special goggles for using it. 

HK

Offline Boongie Pam

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Re: Ultraviolet or infrared for faded writing?
« Reply #5 on: Sunday 12 February 06 17:47 GMT (UK) »
Stamp shops sell hand held UV lamps quite cheaply - they may even let you use it in the shop - stamp collectors are nice people  ;D

In my old life as a biologist I had to improve contrast on images on high power microscopes I found green and orange light/filters did well.

P ;D
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Offline Hogan Kit

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Re: Ultraviolet or infrared for faded writing?
« Reply #6 on: Monday 13 February 06 00:31 GMT (UK) »
That's a good tip.  Thanks.  I will look to see what there is in the Llandudno area.  I see there is a Maplins there, and the main site advertises some small handheld UV lamps, battery-operated, quite reasonably, too.  I think I would need to take the light there; the Bible is far too big to take on the bus, ha ha.  However, if it was a thing that had to be done in a separate location, maybe the family, who live quite a way away, would oblige at their convenience.  The old lady couldn't take it anywhere.  I'm quite happy to buy at some of the prices (and sizes) I see - I'm travelling light!  -  Would this be okay to use without goggles?  I saw on one of the sites that one should use them with UV light, but maybe that is for a different application than a small handheld lamp?
 8) HK
HK

Offline Hogan Kit

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Re: Ultraviolet or infrared for faded writing?
« Reply #7 on: Monday 13 February 06 00:52 GMT (UK) »
At last I have worked out (I hope) how to post a picture of the Bible pages for you.  The only line that is particularly clear says, in English, Hugh Cadwalad is the true owner of this book.

Hogan Kit.

Offline Hogan Kit

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Re: Ultraviolet or infrared for faded writing?
« Reply #8 on: Monday 13 February 06 01:05 GMT (UK) »
Oops, sorry, bit big. 
I'll have another go with the natural colours.  Previous photo was after I had been trying all sorts to enhance the writing.
This one a bit smaller in size, I trust.
Hogan Kit