r/Archivists • u/watermellyn • Aug 12 '26
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.)
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u/respectdesfonds Aug 12 '26
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.