Say hello to Lemuel Shaw

The case of the mystery justice has likely been solved, officials say. A portrait with no ID hanging outside the door of Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants turns out to be Lemuel Shaw, who served nearly 30 years as chief justice in the mid-1800s.

Credit for IDing the justice, who served as chief justice between 1830 and 1860, goes to a longtime court officer with a background in forensic science - and extensive knowledge of the antiques and fine-art business, according to court officials:

The break in the case came when Assistant Chief Court Officer Downer, a 25-year veteran of the Massachusetts Trial Court, provided his expertise in forensic science to assist in the identification. In addition to the forensic examination, he offered his 47-year knowledge of the antiques and fine art business.

Assistant Chief Court Officer Downer first made a visual inspection of the painting and did limited research, without seeing any of the informed guesses that were made. He found that the very basic and obvious features narrowed the painting to a small field of study. Following the visual examination, he conducted a UV light absorption or reflection test using a UV-A (blue or black light), which allowed him to see things the naked eye cannot. Next, bright yellow and bright white light tests allowed those present to see the loop script initials "L S" become visible on the top rail of the stretcher. The equipment used will be shown at the event.

While it may be impossible to conclude with 100% certainty the true identity of the justice, the court believes that the most persuasive arguments, confirmed by the forensic report that the court has received, point to a younger Lemuel Shaw whose portrait was painted before or around the time he was appointed to the Supreme Judicial Court in 1830.

In a competition, ten people guessed Shaw; they'll get to be present when Gants attaches a name plate to the painting - and will then be taken on a tour of the John Adams Courthouse.