Obliteration
Definition
Covering of existing writing with an opaque layer (ink, correction fluid, or correction tape) so that the underlying text is invisible in the visible spectrum but typically readable under IR transmission examination.
- Common obliteration methods
- Filing, grinding, abrasion, drilling, peening, overstamping, acid etching
- In document examination
- Covering with ink, correction fluid, or correction tape over original writing
- IR recovery
- Obliterations using opaque layers are typically readable under infrared transmission
Common questions
What methods are used to obliterate a serial number?+
Serial numbers are obliterated through physical processes like filing, grinding, abrasion, drilling, peening, overstamping with a new number, and acid etching. Each method removes or distorts the original stamped or engraved mark to make it unreadable.
Can obliterated writing be recovered?+
Yes, in many cases. When writing is covered with opaque materials like correction fluid or ink, the underlying text remains readable under infrared transmission examination. The obliteration hides the text in the visible spectrum, but IR can penetrate the opaque layer.
What's the difference between obliteration and erasure?+
Obliteration covers or removes existing marks to make them unreadable, such as scribbling over text or filing off a serial number. Erasure removes material entirely, leaving a blank space. Both are considered alterations in document and forensic examination.
Related terms
- Addition (Interlineation, Insertion)
- Fresh writing squeezed between lines, in margins, after the last entry, or in blank spaces left in the original document. Often shows...
- Alteration
- Any change made to a document after its original execution, including erasure, obliteration, addition, substitution and overwriting. A material alteration changes the...
- Chemical Erasure
- Destruction of an ink's chromophore by oxidising or reducing agents (bleach, permanganate, borohydride) without physically removing paper fibres, leaving altered UV fluorescence...
- Chromophore
- The molecular subunit responsible for a dye's colour, typically a conjugated double-bond system; chemical erasure destroys the chromophore while leaving the decolourised...
- Electrolytic Etching
- Electrochemical alternative to chemical etchants. The part is the anode in an electrolyte bath; controlled current selectively dissolves the strained metal at...
- Erasure (Chemical)
- Removal of ink by bleaching or oxidising agents such as sodium hypochlorite, chloramine T, oxalic acid, potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide. Leaves...
- Erasure (Mechanical)
- Physical removal of writing by rubber, knife, scalpel blade, sandpaper or eraser. Disturbs paper fibres, thins the paper, and lifts the sizing...
- ESDA
- Electrostatic Detection Apparatus; detects latent indentations in paper by charging the surface and cascading toner particles, revealing tracing stylus pressure and writing...
- Fry's Reagent
- Classical etchant for plain carbon and low-alloy steel: 40 g cupric chloride (CuCl2) + 90 mL concentrated HCl + 100 mL water....
- IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
- A unique 15-digit number permanently assigned to a mobile device's hardware. Used by networks to identify and block stolen devices, and by...
- Interlineation
- Text inserted between existing lines of a document after its original execution; may be detected by ink composition differences, spatial anomalies in...
- IR Luminescence
- Emission of near-infrared radiation by ink dye molecules when excited by visible light; different ink formulations luminesce at different intensities, allowing differentiation...
Explained in these topics
- Examination of Alterations: Erasures, Obliterations and AdditionsCovering over the original writing with overwriting, scribbling, ink smudge or correction fluid (Tipp-Ex, whiteout) so the underlying text is not visible to th...
- Mechanical and Chemical Erasures, Obliterations and InterlineationsCovering of existing writing with an opaque layer (ink, correction fluid, or correction tape) so that the underlying text is invisible in the visible spectrum...
- Serial Number and Erased Mark RestorationAny process applied to a stamped or engraved mark to make it unreadable. Includes filing, grinding, abrasion, drilling, peening, overstamping with a new number...