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Dating of ballpoint pen ink
1Forensic Science Division, Document Laboratory, Zurich Canton Police, 8021 Zurich, Switzerland.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|December 1, 2004
Summary
Forensic document analysis can determine the relative age of ballpoint pen entries in a cash book. This method helps verify if a document was backdated, aiding legal investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Document Examination
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- A cash book, purportedly from 2000, was submitted for forensic analysis in 2003.
- The document contained handwritten, dated entries suspected of being backdated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the cash book entries were made consecutively over a year.
- To ascertain if the document was created in 2003 and backdated to 2000.
Main Methods:
- Examination for latent elements using Electrostatic Detection Device (ESDA).
- Quantification of ballpoint pen ink dyes and degradation products via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for relative dating.
Main Results:
- The study demonstrated the feasibility of relative dating for ballpoint pen entries.
- Successful determination of entry age within a short timescale was achieved under specific conditions.
Conclusions:
- Relative dating of ballpoint pen ink is possible, especially when storage conditions are similar.
- Forensic analysis techniques like HPLC can provide crucial evidence in document examination cases involving backdating.