Declaration Of Independance Parchment Paper Help

Ok so this is not fully stamp related but the help I need may be along the same lines. I found this folded up when my cousin passed away years ago and am sure its souvenire copy of sorts probably from the 60's . Problem is not only the folds but there is a few major stains possible mold and I'd really like to clean it up. The paper is thick what I would call parchment . Thought of peroxide bath but not sure of the ink or even discoloring of paper. Tell ya the way this has sat and aged it looks and feels almost authentic.

I have been looking for someone that helps with these kind of things. The best luck I've had was working with Ephemera dealers and the clean up people after fires. They have contacts that deal with all sorts of issues.
William

I remember these as a kid, they used to sell them at most history related gift shops and I think I had a scale copy of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. The creases can probably be pressed out by wetting the paper with a dilution of ~10% alcohol (to aid in penetration) and 90% water and then flattening it for a while. As for the mold/rust/discoloration - I probably wouldn't bother. May soaking it might help or it might make things worse. A thing to remember with a lot of these souvenirs is that many (the ones I owned at least) were treated to give the paper the appearance of old age.

There are actually paper restoration professionals out there.

I used to have a copy like that, too. I think I still do (somewhere). The bottom line is that they were relatively cheap to purchase (a couple of dollars or less) and had been a big sales item in the mid-1970's leading up the Bicentennial in 1976. Since it's a modern reprint, I think you can probably scout out replacing it for less cost than attempts at restoring the copy you have unless, of course, there is some family history or significance to the specific copy you have.

This is probably what you have. Still available for $4.95 (plus shipping) at this link:

http://www.libertybellshop.com/decl...rchment.html

I had a set of documents like that as a kid (1980's)as well: Declaration of Independance, Bill of Rights, US Constitution, and 1 other I think. I wonder if they are still around the house I think I could get the same set still at some of the Lincoln gift shops and museums in my area.

I have those from the 70' also and some newer one's I bought in St. Augustine, Florida two years ago. A teacher said that the paper was cooked in oil to give it that look and feel. If that is true I guess thats why they feel like there about to crumble in your hand.

There are ways of authenticating it. There are minor differences in wording and in pen strokes between different editions. Someone at a historical society would possibly be able to do it, but likely would not be willing to invest their time for free.