We offer microscopic examinations for damage analysis, material testing, forgery detection, and age determination. We partner with specialists from renowned institutions and specialized laboratories like the Rathgen Research Laboratory (Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Stiftung), the Technical University of Berlin, and the Technical University of Munich for various testing methods. Especially in the case of a non-destructive material analysis during restoration preparation, spectroscopy has proven effective.
We use spectroscopic analysis mainly for non-destructive material analysis and age determination, damage analysis, or forgery detection. In the preliminary examination and development of a suitable restoration concept, we use non-destructive methods for the material analysis of high-quality art objects, valuable old pieces of furniture, works of art, and wooden objects. That way, we do not have to take samples.
Historical furniture, art objects, and furnishings were often made from materials that are not common anymore or have already been repaired, reworked, or restored over time. With bare eyes, it is usually not possible to see which materials were used or which modifications were made.
Numerous different materials could have been used during the manufacturing process:
Identifying these in a non-destructive, reliable, and accurate as possible manner is essential for the selection of suitable materials and the development of a conservation and restoration strategy in wood as well as in furniture restoration.
With the help of spectroscopic examinations, we can identify each component of the materials used in furniture making and the fabrication of a work of art based on its specific interaction with electromagnetic radiation.
Spectroscopic methods use the following ranges of optical radiation:
The following materials can be clearly and non-destructively analyzed and identified using the spectrometer's imaging:
After analyzing the findings, we will be happy to advise you whether a spectroscopic examination of your object in need of restoration makes sense and which method of spectroscopy promises the best yield. Wherever possible, our certified restorers at the Zentralen Restaurierungswerkstatt Berlin use non-destructive and mobile spectroscopic methods in cooperation with renowned scientific laboratories and institutions. Only in exceptional cases may it be necessary to take small amounts of sample material for examination.
Let us find out in a personal consultation what's best for your antique furniture or work of art.