When an instrument in writing affecting the title to real estate in more than one town is lost, destroyed or defaced, if such instrument has been recorded in any town, upon complaint and proof, the superior court may order a copy of such record to be recorded in any town where a part of such real estate is situated. The proceedings upon such complaint shall be the same as in case of judgment files lost or destroyed, and a record so made shall be treated as a record of the original instrument. (Amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974.)