Table 1 Classification of iron gall ink damages according to Reissland and Hofenk de Graaff (2000)
Good condition (condition rating 1) | No or light brown discolouration, no mechanical damages, normal careful handling |
Fair condition (condition rating 2) | Dark brown discolouration, ink penetration, no mechanical damages, special care in handling necessary |
Poor condition (condition rating 3) | ink penetration, mechanical damage (cracks), handling by a knowledgeable person with support still possible |
Bad condition (condition rating 4) | ink penetration, severe substance loss, handling only with the risk of loss (restrict handling, with support) |
