The Blood Stained Handkerchief

[augusta]

From the 'Atlanta Constitution, June 15, 1893, pg. 1: "She Hides Her Face":

Bridget Sullivan was recalled to the stand. Mr. Moody took up the old blood-stained handkerchief that had been found beside Mrs. Borden and held it up before Bridget.

"Whose handkerchief was that?" asked Mr. Moody.

"That," answered Bridget, "is what Mrs. Borden used as a duster."



Now, were they talking about this white crumpled object that is in at least one of Abby's murder photos? It blends in with the carpeting; it looks like one of the many white flowers on it.

Or did they mean that colorful silk scarf-like thing that they showed in the documentary Kat and Stef were in - where luminol was used to test for blood in the basement (was it "Lizzie Borden Took an Axe?").

[RayS]

Luminol is a great detector of blood (or gravy or other meat sauce). But it can't tell you when it was laid down. The stains in the Borden House should be cautioned.

I think one of the "A.A. Fair" books explains the first use of this substance. Gardner often popularized new devices like detergents or ball point pens (in the 1940s).

[shakiboo]

From the 'Atlanta Constitution, June 15, 1893, pg. 1: "She Hides Her Face":

Bridget Sullivan was recalled to the stand. Mr. Moody took up the old blood-stained handkerchief that had been found beside Mrs. Borden and held it up before Bridget.

"Whose handkerchief was that?" asked Mr. Moody.

"That," answered Bridget, "is what Mrs. Borden used as a duster."



Now, were they talking about this white crumpled object that is in at least one of Abby's murder photos? It blends in with the carpeting; it looks like one of the many white flowers on it.

Or did they mean that colorful silk scarf-like thing that they showed in the documentary Kat and Stef were in - where luminol was used to test for blood in the basement (was it "Lizzie Borden Took an Axe?").

I somehow can't pictue Andrew blowing his nose on a silk hankerchief....silk doesn't work real well for that. I'd bet they are talking about the white one found beside Abby. Were there two found? She could have used it to dust when she straightend up the room earlier, possibly had it in her hand. Dr. Bowen testified at trial that her hands were more under her when he first saw her and he moved one out from under her to check her pulse, possibly pulling the hankerchief out with it.

[irina]

More on the handkerchief plus mention of the television piece I have seen. I thought I had picked up little bits that said Kat was involved with a TV show. So now I am thoroughly confused as I thought the fabric in the TV show was a "scarf" and that Abby was supposed to have worn it. I may not remember the show clearly. I am very impressed with everything Kat posts and know she is careful and accurate. So I probably don't remember it right.