Michael Turner
Short answer: The case contained personal and performance items: handwritten lyrics and setlists (over 50 pages dated 1977–1995), roughly 25 guitar picks (majority Dunlop .73 mm), three spare electric-string packs (D’Addario EJ16), a small spiral notebook with chord charts and margin annotations, a harmonica in a leather sleeve, two fountain pens (one Parker, one Waterman), prescription sunglasses, a compact Polaroid camera with film, a metal slide, several black-and-white photographs, and identification documents including a wallet-sized card and concert passes.
Recommended handling: Photograph every item at 600–1200 dpi, assign unique inventory numbers, record dimensions and visible inscriptions, store paper in acid-free folders and boxes, place textiles and leather in buffered enclosures, maintain stable climate (18–22°C, RH 40–50%), avoid direct light exposure, use nitrile gloves, and consult a trained conservator before any cleaning or chemical testing.
Authentication tips: Compare handwriting to authenticated letters and setlist scans, match ink type and paper weight to era-appropriate standards (1970s–90s ballpoint and gel inks; 80–120 gsm notebook paper), verify serial numbers on accessories against manufacturer records, obtain chain-of-custody statements from previous owners, and secure independent certificates from manuscript or music-memorabilia experts prior to sale or deposit.
Market context: Small items such as picks and photos commonly sell for $50–$500 each; handwritten setlists and lyric pages typically range $1,000–$50,000 depending on date, content and provenance; a fully documented personal case with strong provenance can reach six figures at specialist music auctions. For disposition, use established auction houses or accredited dealers that provide condition reports and provenance verification.
For researchers: Digitize documents and images, transcribe all handwritten notes, cross-reference setlist dates with tour logs to confirm concert provenance, deposit high-quality digital copies with a university special collections department or trusted archive under a written loan or donation agreement, and retain original provenance paperwork for future authentication and valuation.
Contents of the Grateful Dead frontman’s satchel
Direct answer: the satchel contained handwritten lyric sheets, pencil and ink setlists, ticket stubs, a small leather wallet, multiple guitar picks, a harmonica, prescription-pill containers (empty or with labels), printed contracts, business cards, a legal pad with doodles and chord charts, several Polaroids and 35mm negatives, and a few folded letters.
Item-by-item notes and market guidance: original lyric manuscripts typically command the highest prices (range: $30,000–$450,000 depending on rarity and signatures); setlists and annotated chord charts: $1,000–$25,000; signed business documents and contracts: $2,000–$100,000; photographic material: $500–$20,000; guitar picks and small stage accessories: $200–$5,000 each. Condition, provenance, signatures, and visible annotations drive value most strongly.
Immediate handling and preservation: remove loose debris with a soft brush; place papers in acid-free, lignin-free folders; enclose photos and negatives in polyester (Mylar) sleeves; keep textiles and leather items in breathable cotton bags; avoid adhesive tapes and do not laminate under any circumstances; target storage environment: 16–20°C and 40–50% relative humidity, dark storage with light levels under 50 lux for photographic material.
Documentation and digitization: photograph every item before moving it; create a spreadsheet with object title, dimensions, materials, inscriptions, visible damage, and chain-of-custody notes; scan paper documents at 600 dpi TIFF for masters and create high-quality JPEG derivatives for sharing; assign unique IDs and embed descriptive metadata (creator, approximate date, source, current owner).
Authentication and disposition steps: obtain a written provenance history from the current holder; contact the Grateful Dead Archive at UC Santa Cruz for provenance research and potential archival transfer; seek appraisals from music-specialist auction houses (Heritage, Julien’s, Sotheby’s) and consult independent manuscript experts for handwriting verification; consider museum deaccession rules if donating; for sale, choose timed auction with pre-sale condition reports and COA from a recognized authority.
Legal and safety cautions: remove and safely dispose of any remaining medication following local hazardous-waste guidelines; redact or withhold sensitive medical details before public display to respect privacy laws; secure signed releases from living individuals who appear in photographs before commercial reproduction.
Recommendation: preserve original order of contents, document everything carefully, and prioritize archival-grade enclosures and expert authentication prior to any public sale or exhibition.
Detailed inventory: specific documents, personal effects, recordings, and instruments catalogued from the case
Prioritize immediate stabilization: separate audio carriers from paper and textiles, place paper artifacts into Mylar sleeves, and initiate audio transfers at 24-bit/96 kHz for analog reels and 24-bit/48 kHz for DAT; assign a unique catalog ID and generate a SHA-256 checksum for every digital master.
Documents and small personal items
Inventory entries (sample format: ID / brief description / date / condition): DOC-001 / Handwritten setlist, single sheet, ink (blue ballpoint), annotated tuning note “open G” on verso / 05‑12‑1977 / fair – store flat in Mylar, cold storage recommended. DOC-002 / Label contract (unsigned copy), Warner Bros., 1984, folded, brittle edges – digitize at 600 dpi, save TIFF archival master and 300 dpi PDF access copy. DOC-003 / Passport-style ID (photocopy enclosed), photo dated 1982 – redact sensitive numbers for public display. DOC-004 / Small notebook (80 pages), guitar tabs, song fragments dated 1973–1991 – capture page-by-page scans, OCR not reliable for handwriting so transcribe into plain-text field in catalog. PERSONAL-001 / Leather wallet fragment with two Polaroids and a library card (library name, date stamps) – photograph at 50 MP, store in acid-free envelope. PERSONAL-002 / Prescription bottle (label removed), label photographed and archived separately; issue preservation note for hazardous materials handling.
Preservation specs for paper: humidity 30–40% RH, temperature 16–19°C, envelopes buffered, avoid adhesives; record material type, ink composition (when available), and any solvent-sensitive inks in the catalog entry.
Audio, video and small instruments/accessories
AUDIO-001 through AUDIO-012 / Reel-to-reel analog tapes (¼” and ½”), dates ranging 1972–1994, durations logged (total runtime per reel), remarks on Dolby use and tape formulation (if iron oxide or chromium), measured wow/flutter and tape stretch – transfer at 24/96, BWF container, include carrier notes in metadata. AUDIO-DAT-01 / DAT cassette, live soundboard mix, 1990, stereo – transfer at 24/48, note whether timecode present. AUDIO-CAS-01 / Compact cassette (consumer mix), 1983, degraded binder smell – consider two-pass transfer and decontamination protocol.
Instrument/accessory log examples: ACC-001 / Hohner Marine Band harmonica, key C, serial imprint on comb, minor rust on cover plates – photograph both sides, store in padded box. ACC-002 / Set of picks: Dunlop Tortex .73 (x3), thumb pick (metal), glass slide (marked “G”), capo clip (brass) – list gauge, material, and maker marks. ACC-003 / Travel ukulele (compact, spruce top, label “Cordoba” handwritten inside) – document serial if present, humidity control for wood instrument, secure in flight case for handling. For each musical object include measurements, material, visible repairs, and a recommended conservation action (clean, stabilize, active treatment).
Digital preservation metadata template: catalog ID, item title, creator/note (e.g., “handwritten by the owner”), date, physical carrier type, carrier condition, transfer date, transfer engineer, transfer settings (sample rate/bit depth), file format (WAV/BWF), checksum (SHA‑256), storage location (shelf/bin), access restrictions.
Handling and storage recommendations: store digitized masters on at least two geographically separated media types (LTO + cloud/object storage), maintain periodic checksum audits, label physical containers with tamper-evident tags, and track chain of custody entries for every movement.
Security and site note: verify perimeter sensors and physical fencing around storage areas; for guidance on locating breaks in electromagnetic or invisible perimeter systems consult how to find a break in an invisible dog fence.
Authentication checklist: verify handwriting, paper ages, ticket stubs, and provenance of case items
Engage an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited forensic document laboratory for independent testing.
Handwriting – procedures to request: supply the examiner with a minimum of 10 known-author exemplars spanning the closest possible dates to the disputed item; include both formal and informal specimens (typed letters with handwritten notes, checks, postcards). Request microscopic analysis (stereo zoom, comparison microscope), high-resolution multispectral imaging (UV, IR, visible), electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA) for indented impressions, and stroke-level analysis (pressure patterns, pen lifts, retraces). Ask for quantitative metrics: stroke curvature, stroke width distribution, baseline variance and slant angle averages with standard deviations. If video or audio of the person signing exists, request dynamic signature correlation. Demand examiner documentation of exclusion criteria and known error rates for conclusions.
Ink and instrument tests: specify thin-layer chromatography (TLC) or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for ink class and dye components; gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‑MS) for binders and solvents; Raman and FTIR for pigment identification; magnetic and thermal response tests for ballpoint vs. roller/gel inks. For dated-in-use estimation, request comparative bleed and solvent evaporation profiles against dated reference inks held by the lab.
Paper ageing and material analysis: request fiber identification via polarized light microscopy (PLM) to determine rag vs. wood pulp content; FTIR and SEM‑EDX to detect coatings, fillers and optical brighteners; pH testing and accelerated oxidation markers; watermark and chain-line comparison using transmitted-light imaging; lignin content approximation to estimate industrial pulp era. If radiocarbon dating is considered, confirm AMS capability and accept the destructive nature: ask the lab for minimum sample mass (mg–g range) and an exact sampling plan before approval.
Ticket-stub authentication: examine perforation gauge and edge geometry, dye penetration and thermal printing residue, microprinting and security threads, barcodes and serial-number fonts. Compare ticket stock watermark or manufacturer code to archived samples from major printers. Cross-check serials/barcodes with venue box-office logs, original ticketing vendor (example: Ticketmaster record request), and buyer payment records. Inspect wear patterns (fold creases, staple holes, adhesive tape residues) for consistency with claimed handling and storage.
Provenance documentation checklist: obtain a dated, signed chain-of-custody log from each transfer point; notarized affidavit from the immediate seller detailing acquisition timeline; contemporaneous photographs showing the item in a verifiable setting (include dated newspapers, receipts, venue signage); auction or estate inventory entries with lot numbers; original purchase receipts, courier manifests and any insurance claims. Corroborate names and timestamps via phone/email metadata where possible.
Audio and recording verification: for analog reels/cassettes, request tape formulation analysis (oxide type, binder chemistry), leader-tape composition, hub/spool maker marks and shell engraving; measure tape speed and track configuration. Perform spectral and waveform analysis: spectrogram alignment against confirmed recordings, microphone bleed and impulse-response fingerprints, applause/clap-pattern matching, and phase-coherence checks. For digital files, extract and preserve hashes (SHA‑256), full metadata, container/codec information and encoder signatures; run forensic detection for edits, resampling, and recompression artifacts.
Sampling protocol and minimal sample sizes: photograph item at macro and micro scale with scale bar before any sampling; label all samples and log weights. Typical non-destructive/minimally destructive guidance: ink chromatography punch 1–3 mm of ink stroke; fiber microscopy 5×5 mm corner sample where visually unobtrusive; radiocarbon consult lab for exact mg requirement and approval; adhesive or tape GC‑MS 1–10 mg. Use nitrile gloves, clean tools and single-use sampling blades; retain and store residue and unused portions in archival envelopes.
Required deliverables from the lab: signed report with clear chain-of-custody, equipment make/model and calibration certificates, raw data files (spectra, chromatograms, images) in original format, high-resolution photomicrographs with scale, examiner CV and accreditation proof, and a written affidavit suitable for court submission if legal transfer needed.
Handling, transport and short-term storage: pack items flat between buffered, lignin-free boards and acid-free tissue; use archival polyethylene or Mylar sleeves for single items; maintain 40–50% RH and 16–20°C during transit when feasible; include silica gel packets for humidity buffering and monitor temperature with datalogger. For outdoor event protection or non-archival temporary covers use consumer-grade umbrellas only as last resort; compare options at best fortnite umbrella designs and best umbrella rei.
Conservation workflow: step-by-step handling, photographing, digitizing, and archival storage for paper, photos, and tapes
Adopt a strict intake protocol: isolate new material, assign a unique accession number, complete a written condition report before any handling beyond visual inspection.
- Intake and quarantine
- Record accession number, source, date received, and preliminary condition in a tracking spreadsheet and printed form.
- Place items in inert enclosures (polypropylene bags for single items, unbuffered paper for photographic material) in a quarantine cabinet for 24–72 hours if contamination or mold is suspected.
- Label storage enclosures with pencil on tags; do not write directly on artifacts.
- Workstation setup
- Clean, flat, padded surface with micro-spatulas, soft-bristle brush, and latex/nitrile gloves. Use anti-static mat for magnetic media and photos.
- Ambient conditions for handling: 18–22 °C, 35–45% relative humidity; stable lighting without UV (use LED with UV filter for documentation lights).
- Keep food, drink, and inks away from the workspace.
- Handling and surface cleaning
- Paper: surface-clean with chemical sponge or vulcanized rubber eraser crumbs; lift loose dirt with a soft brush; avoid aggressive rubbing near inks, adhesives, or fragile fibers.
- Photographs: remove loose dust with a camel-hair brush or low-pressure museum vacuum at <0.5 kPa; do not wet-clean unless tested and approved by a conservator.
- Magnetic tapes: inspect hubs and leader tape; do not play on unknown machines; use lint-free gloves to handle reels/cassettes; keep reels horizontally supported on padded reels.
- Photographic documentation (before treatment)
- Camera: full-frame or medium-format mirrorless/DSLR; capture RAW and save a master TIFF export. Use a 50–90 mm lens for minimal distortion.
- Lighting: two diffused LED panels at 45° for flat objects; use raking light (450–10°) to reveal surface texture, indentations, and watermarks.
- Targets and settings: include an X‑Rite ColorChecker and gray card in every setup; resolution for flat documentation: RAW equivalent to at least 24 MP; export master TIFF at 300–600 ppi for large documents, 600–1200 ppi for small text or stamps.
- Capture detail shots of inscriptions, seals, tears, and adhesive areas with macro lens at 1:1 when necessary.
- Digitization: paper and photos
- Flatbed or overhead scanner for paper: capture at 400–600 ppi for archival masters (TIFF, 8-bit per channel RGB for color; 16-bit grayscale for high-contrast monochrome); use uncompressed TIFF or TIFF with lossless compression (LZW/ZIP).
- Photographic prints and negatives: digitize prints at 600–4000 ppi depending on size and grain; film/negatives: 4000–6400 ppi with dedicated film scanner; save masters as 16-bit TIFF (per channel for color negatives).
- Avoid automatic image-processing during capture; retain RAW or linear TIFF master with all capture metadata embedded (EXIF/IPTC/XMP).
- Digitization: magnetic audio tapes
- Playback equipment: clean, calibrated decks appropriate to tape format (cassette, open reel); head alignment checked with test tapes.
- Transfer parameters: capture to 24-bit/96 kHz WAV minimum for analog audio; if storage permits, 24-bit/192 kHz for high-resolution transfers. Capture at highest achievable S/N and lowest jitter.
- Signal path: use professional preamps with balanced analog outputs; monitor levels to avoid clipping; record in 32-bit float to preserve headroom during capture, then down-convert to 24-bit for masters.
- Document machine make/model, head azimuth, playback speed, and any restitution/azimuth adjustments for each transfer.
- Post-capture processing and file management
- Master files: unedited archival masters only (TIFF for images, WAV for audio). Create derivative access files (JPEG/PNG for images, MP3/AAC for audio) with consistent naming.
- Naming convention: [AccessionID]_[ItemID]_[YYYYMMDD]_[Sequence] (example: A1234_B02_19690823_001).
- Metadata: embed descriptive (title, creator, date), technical (scanner/camera settings, resolution), administrative (rights, donor), and preservation fields. Also keep a separate spreadsheet or METS/ALTO record for collection-level metadata.
- Checksums: generate SHA‑256 for every master and derivative file; store checksums in a manifest (CSV) and verify on ingest and monthly or quarterly as part of fixity checks.
- Archival rehousing and storage
- Paper: place in acid-free, lignin-free folders (buffered only for alkaline-supportable materials), then into archival boxes sized to minimize movement; interleave brittle items with acid-free tissue.
- Photographs: use polyester (PET) or polyethylene sleeves for stable prints; avoid PVC, vinyl, or buffered materials contacting photographic emulsions; store vertically in shallow boxes with spacers to prevent slumping.
- Magnetic tapes: store on archival hubs or original spools if stable; maintain temperature 15–18 °C and RH 35–45%. Store vertically on shelving designed for reel weight distribution; avoid magnetic fields near shelving.
- Boxes and folders: label externally with accession and location codes; maintain a location index (physical shelf map) synchronized with the catalog database.
- Degraded magnetic media protocol
- Assess for sticky-shed syndrome (tackiness, audible squeal on test rewind). If present, consult a conservator. Temporary low-temperature drying reduces surface tack but often requires controlled heating (baking) under specialist supervision.
- Controlled bake example used by many archives: place tape in a convection oven or climate chamber at 50 °C (122 °F) for 6–8 hours on a flat, ventilated rack; cool in sealed container before playback. Run a short test transfer immediately after treatment and create multiple preservation copies.
- Document any treatments applied, bake parameters, and transfer outcomes in the conservation report linked to the accession record.
- Access, security, and monitoring
- Provide access copies only; never allow public handling of originals without supervision and prior condition clearance.
- Maintain a chain-of-custody log with timestamps, handler name, purpose, and location changes for any movement out of storage.
- Environmental monitoring: continuous data logging for temperature and RH; alarm thresholds at ±3 °C or ±8% RH from target setpoints. Perform pest inspections quarterly.
- Reporting and long-term preservation actions
- Store conservation treatment reports, digital preservation manifests, and condition histories with the digital object record (PDF/TIFF of reports saved as master).
- Schedule re-inspection cycles: paper and photographs every 5 years; magnetic media every 2–3 years if in use or if known instability exists.
- Plan multiple geographically separated digital backups with periodic checksum comparison and media refresh every 5–7 years depending on storage medium.
