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Dating of Inkpad Seals Using the Extraction Rate Method: Preliminary Findings

NCJ Number
246866
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 793-799
Author(s)
Biao Li M.Sc.; Feng Bai M.Sc.; Huayan MU M.Sc.; Ren Bao B.Sc.
Date Published
May 2014
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Inkpad seals are often placed on important documents, and determining the date when a seal was affixed can be important to assess the authenticity of a document.
Abstract
In this study, three different brands of inkpads and four different types of paper were used to make diachronic samples of the seals. A double-solvent extraction method was employed to date the inkpad seals by comparing extraction rates with inks of known age. Cyclohexane was selected as a weak solvent, and chlorobenzene was selected as a strong solvent. After testing, curves were created to show the relationship between the extraction percentage of ink and the date of the seals. The experimental results showed that the extraction rate method was applicable for the relative dating of inkpad seals in some cases where the seal was placed on the document within 6 months. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.