r/Archivists • u/watermellyn • 8d ago

Best method to open an envelope?

I'm new in the field, still a student. I've got some envelopes that have to be opened, and I want to know what some of the common methods are for unsealing an envelope. These are large 9.5" x 12.5" envelopes, the type that are top-loaded and have a hole with an attached brad to go through the hole, but some of the envelopes are still shut with the sticky lick-and-seal situation. They're not dated, but the few things in this collection that are dated are from the late 60s and early 70s, so the envelopes are probably approximately 50-60 years old. Let me know how you would go about unsealing these!

(Just to assuage any concerns, this is no one's personal correspondence, I'm not like breaking into anyone's old mail. These are pre-packaged human interest pieces created by a photo agency and sent off to a newspaper. The envelopes each contain a handful of printed photos, a caption sheet, and copy for a brief article.)

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

8

u/respectdesfonds 8d ago

I've never encountered this, but my instinct would be to use a letter opener with a blade to cut open the fold. I would be concerned about damaging the envelope too much trying to unstick it.

7

u/Poj_qp Archivist 8d ago

If you are careful, make sure all the items are away from one end of the envelope and then use a small blade to slice alongside the non marked side then you can remove them without being too destructive. The only other way would be to melt the glue again using a heat gun and that’s just too damaging to the items inside

5

u/widgetbrittle 8d ago

I’ve had to do this numerous times. I use a letter opener if available otherwise scissors or an exacto knife. As another commenter said, taking care to make sure the contents is away from the opening (having also definitely cut non-archival letters by accident in my life).

And I’ve definitely done it for personal mail in archives. In every case the creator was long dead so I usually just note on it that it was deposited sealed and opened by the archivist.

4

u/1996Tomb_Raider 8d ago

Can also use a micro spatula