Post by Christian Ankerstjerne on May 3, 2006 2:41:40 GMT -5
Just a tip for those looking to get some easy access to historical documents, and doesn't live near NARA.
On eBay, you can find reproduction of a lot of different historical documents. Some are quite well-known (such as the Declaration of Independence), while others are less known (and thus more interesting, in my oppinion).
A good place to start is the historical memorabilia section, specifically while searching for document.
Be aware, that unless you know what to look for, you should only buy documents as originals if they are clearly marked as such. A lot of reproduction sellers forgets to mention it, but doesn't mention it being an original either, or only writes reproduction in very fine print. There will also be some frauds out there, and getting your money back is difficult if not impossible.
If you're only looking for the historical information, this doesn't matter, but if you are also looking for collectibles you are best off starting out with buying from sellers with good reputation who accept PayPal. It is a good idea to get a UV light (these can be bought at a high price in stamp collector stores or pretty cheap on eBay or disco supply stores), which can be used to check the paper for authenticity (the paper can be faked, but it is unlikely that this will be the case for low-end items) - just remember not to look into the UV light, as it can cause loss of sight or blindness.
Another important thing to remember is to not store old documents and photographs in the binders and plastic pockets you buy at office supply stores or photo stores, as this plastic contains acid (ironically, the photo albums and plastic pockets you buy from photo stores are unsuitable for storing photographs, regardless of what the clerk tells you). Only store old documents (or documents in general) in archival quality binders and plastic pockets - they are pretty expensive, but at least you won't open your binder one day and find a lot of dust at the bottom of the plastic pocket (which actually happened to one of my friends, while looking through documents at an archive for a book of his).
On eBay, you can find reproduction of a lot of different historical documents. Some are quite well-known (such as the Declaration of Independence), while others are less known (and thus more interesting, in my oppinion).
A good place to start is the historical memorabilia section, specifically while searching for document.
Be aware, that unless you know what to look for, you should only buy documents as originals if they are clearly marked as such. A lot of reproduction sellers forgets to mention it, but doesn't mention it being an original either, or only writes reproduction in very fine print. There will also be some frauds out there, and getting your money back is difficult if not impossible.
If you're only looking for the historical information, this doesn't matter, but if you are also looking for collectibles you are best off starting out with buying from sellers with good reputation who accept PayPal. It is a good idea to get a UV light (these can be bought at a high price in stamp collector stores or pretty cheap on eBay or disco supply stores), which can be used to check the paper for authenticity (the paper can be faked, but it is unlikely that this will be the case for low-end items) - just remember not to look into the UV light, as it can cause loss of sight or blindness.
Another important thing to remember is to not store old documents and photographs in the binders and plastic pockets you buy at office supply stores or photo stores, as this plastic contains acid (ironically, the photo albums and plastic pockets you buy from photo stores are unsuitable for storing photographs, regardless of what the clerk tells you). Only store old documents (or documents in general) in archival quality binders and plastic pockets - they are pretty expensive, but at least you won't open your binder one day and find a lot of dust at the bottom of the plastic pocket (which actually happened to one of my friends, while looking through documents at an archive for a book of his).