Long Wave uV Light Recommendation?

[OntarioArch]

I am about begin 'cleaning' my modest collection that has been acquired from Old Timers, estate sales, and yard sales. A stereo microscope is on order; Jim Bennett's book has been read twice with notes taken , and now I need a long wave uV lamp to help detect restorations. I sure see a lot of short-wave uV lights for sale: I thought they were too dangerous for casual use?

Any recommendations for a long-wave uV light? Thanks!

 

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[dognose]

Which have you reviewed and which short-wave uV lights are you leaning towards purchasing?

 

[dognose]

Not sure why those images remained...... I started typing some info, then removed the text and link.

 

[OntarioArch]

Hey dognose....one thing that confuses me is an authoritative article that said to use long wave.....but the sale web sites list short wave, mostly for mineral ID. So is short wave OK to use, with care? To answer your question, I have not reviewed any because of this dichotomy

 

[Slingshot]

I've used both SW & LW, they both do, and show up different things. The SW can burn your eyes but is safe to use with polarized sun glasses, still be careful not to shine it directly into your eyes even with the glasses on. There are less expensive SW units available, you need to shop around and check out what the stamp collectors are using. I bought a nice Lighthouse SW light for under $20 a few years ago, and LW units should be cheaper than that.

 

[OntarioArch]

....from an article I read..." I have learned much from the treatise on black light and its application entitled "The black light book", updated 4th edi*tion by author Mark Chervenka. This book is a standard recognized by those who specialize in antique and similar collectibles. Mark is the editor of "Antique and Collectors Reproduction news". In his book, he discusses the mer*its of long wave and short wave UV light. He is quick to state that using short wave light should be avoided because it will give false readings and dangerous.

Short wave is potentially dangerous as it can cause skin and eye problems from exposure. Persons who promote the use of both should be advised of such haz*ards. I assume this false information came from the application by profession*al gemologists who use both to deter*mine the authenticity of precious stones such as emeralds and diamonds.

Long wave UV light can assist in deter*mining a number of possible artifact problems that otherwise might be unde*tected by the human eye. First of all, it can be very effective in showing restora*tion which has become increasingly unnoticeable by today's expert restora*tionists. Keep in mind that all UV exam*inations are best conducted in total or nearly total darkness because the illumi*nation of the black light is minimal at best. And whenever possible, the subject of your examination should be displayed upon dark black cloth which has no reflective qualities.

The use of "black light" illumination is also very effective in revealing the dif*ferences between ancient surfaces, espe*cially on flint and chert items where modern damage or rechipping might occur.

 

[gilmerman]

In this day's technologies, the only point you can be certain is authentic is those you find yourself. It might mean a smaller number of artifacts in your collection but you know the provenance of each artifact.

 

[OntarioArch]

I just don't buy that outlook, gilmerM. I am not authenticating professional level artifakes....and not expecting 100% success (but close)...and I can read - you ought to check out Jim Bennett's new book - and I can use a microscope (30 year biology teacher) Plus....to acquire and enjoy these ancient works of art by walking no till fields in Central New York is an exercise in futility. I have found a few field grade points....quite rewarding....but the Old Timer collections I have purchased in just a couple years have some outstanding artifacts. I want to know they are authentic, and I think I can do it.

 

[Rege-PA]

Dealing in today`s artifact market is fraught with many fakes and even some of the experts have been fooled. However knowledge and research will definitely help in your search for authentic artifacts, and you only have to convince yourself that they are real.

 

[OntarioArch]

you only have to convince yourself that they are real.

Nope. Actually, an objective analysis ought to convince any informed, neutral observer that an artifact is real.

 

[Neanderthal]

Just go to Wal-Mart or any auto parts store and pick up a Freon UV detection kit (the glasses also do seem to help) - it's great for portability. If you use UV quite a bit, then you may want to build a light box setup.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/A-C-Pro-...MI54ef-tv14QIVmrfACh3XHAjCEAQYASABEgIyzvD_BwE

 

[OntarioArch]

Just go to Wal-Mart or any auto parts store and pick up a Freon UV detection kit (the glasses also do seem to help) - it's great for portability. If you use UV quite a bit, then you may want to build a light box setup.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/A-C-Pro-...MI54ef-tv14QIVmrfACh3XHAjCEAQYASABEgIyzvD_BwE

Nice tip!

 

[joshuaream]

I was going to suggest looking at Amazon for some cheap lights, but Neanderthal hit the nail on the head on price. There are two restorers who put something in their epoxy that makes it stand out under blacklight (weak Uv.) Normal UV does most of the contrast which can show some rechipping but won’t make minerals fluoresce. On the rechipping you can see it once you know what you are looking for, but UV just makes it easy to photograph. It helps me more with pottery than stone, some of the glue & restoration just glow under applied dirt/clay that people put on pottery to make it in “as dug” condition.

The stereoscope will be your best friend, look for both good and bad. I’d buy a couple of eBay fakes just to take a look at the differences in edge grinding (that old paleo base you posted vs a modern piece), gloopy fake patina vs mineral deposits, fresh vs old hinges, etc. Get some authentic examples of your favorite lithics, and spend some time looking at rocks. If it doesn’t bother your eyes, get in the habit of really scoping relics from top to tail on both sides, you’d be surprised how many little details you notice.

 

[smokeythecat]

Short wave will have more items show a fluorescent response than long wave. That being said, any UV light can hurt your eyes, that's why you wear the special glasses using them. You can get some very small ones that don't cost much, and the output is so low, if you look at it nothing much will happen. I on the other hand, have a 26 watt monster, that even with glasses while it doesn't hurt your eyes, it does put a strain on them. Check out ebay.