Interesting find. I too seek out old books, say books published at the turn of the 20th century, plus or minus fifty years. In my old age, I see evidence of the past being erased. Sure, time will do that, but not on the scale and pace that it now seems to be happening. I, like some others, believe nefarious forces are diligently doing this. How? When it's digitized, it can easily be manipulated and changed. Why? You have to burn down the old to build the new. What? The brave new world.
If chemical analysis is an option you could have the paper tested for the presence of lead. Lead was never used in the writing core of pencils--it was always some form of graphite--but pencil paint contained lead until the 1970s in the US and so too perhaps in the UK and the rest of Europe. The drawing looks like regular pencil to me, rather than artist charcoal. Maybe it's particular blend of graphite and clay could give clues about when and where the pencil was manufactured?
Interesting find. I too seek out old books, say books published at the turn of the 20th century, plus or minus fifty years. In my old age, I see evidence of the past being erased. Sure, time will do that, but not on the scale and pace that it now seems to be happening. I, like some others, believe nefarious forces are diligently doing this. How? When it's digitized, it can easily be manipulated and changed. Why? You have to burn down the old to build the new. What? The brave new world.
Yeah, I'm paranoid. But it has served me well.
Anyway, enjoy your new addition to your library.
Looks legit to me. The signature/sigil may be known to a UK art expert.
If the soldier was an artist, I suppose so. But presumably not if he was just a regular Tommy whose hobby was sketching.
Fascinating! Do let us know what, if anything you discover.
I would frame the sketch and put it on the wall. It’s nicely done.
I think I will!
If chemical analysis is an option you could have the paper tested for the presence of lead. Lead was never used in the writing core of pencils--it was always some form of graphite--but pencil paint contained lead until the 1970s in the US and so too perhaps in the UK and the rest of Europe. The drawing looks like regular pencil to me, rather than artist charcoal. Maybe it's particular blend of graphite and clay could give clues about when and where the pencil was manufactured?
I hadn't thought of that! It might be interesting to get it tested -- though it would presumably cost quite a lot, more than the fiver I paid for it.