Author Topic: Deciphering Illegible Inscriptions on Headstones - could modern technology help?  (Read 15180 times)

Offline regross

  • RIP 16th November 2012
  • Deceased † Rest In Peace
  • RootsChat Aristocrat
  • ********
  • Posts: 1,568
  • paper doll fashionista
    • View Profile
Re: Deciphering Illegible Inscriptions on Headstones - could modern technology help?
« Reply #18 on: Thursday 07 May 09 10:45 BST (UK) »
Hello chatters,

just adding an idea  I came across on a mailing list several years ago:

>"It's wonderful where you find ideas for reading gravestone lettering. I came across this in a detective story called "Grave Misgivings'  by Kate Callison.  I haven't tried it and I don't suggest that anyone does it but the method is to use a can of shaving foam and a rubber squeegee and a bucket of water.

You spray the foam on the area of the inscription and then squeegee off the excess foam. The foam fills the indentations and the letters are supposed to become readable. When the inscription has been deciphered or photographed the inscription is cleaned down with the contents of the bucket.
>
>Ray Lewis
>Hazelmere Western Australia"

Haven't tried it but at least it's low tech!

Robyn in Australia
The following families and their Australian decendents:
Abbott, Barnard, Clarke, Inward, Lanfear, Rutter,Spencer:Middlesex
Greenaway:Cornwall
Edney, Godwin/Goodwin, Gullett:Hampshire;
Gullett:Devon
Emms:39th Regiment of Foot 1810-1832
Gordon:Scotland
Arnold, Morton:Ireland
Davies:Wales
Olcorn:Cumberland
Osborne:Staffordshire
Harrington:Kent
&
Gross: Tullau Wurtmemburg Germany