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The Art of Authenticating Autographs
Distinguishing authentic autographs from those that are printed or forged can be a challenging feat, even for experts.
The pattern of the signature is one of the first things autograph experts consider when determining whether an autograph is real or not. Does the formation of letters match known examples? Are there any special identifying features of the signature such as a stylized paraph that may be associated with a particular persons autograph?
Because signature patterns can vary over time, the presence of a date with an autograph on a letter or document may provide important information for autograph analysis. Autographs can then be compared with known examples of that time.
Differences in signature construction are expected to vary from childhood to adulthood. The autograph of actor James Dean changed remarkably during his transition from elementary school to movie star. But even signatures during adulthood may vary. For example, in the early 1920s, Babe Ruth usually placed quotation marks around the name "Babe" in his autograph. As the name "Babe" became embedded in the public persona, and as the number of fans requesting his autograph skyrocketed, Ruth dropped the addition of quotation marks about his first name.
The autograph of inventor Thomas Edison is another example. In his early years Edison signed his first name with a simple "T". His signature evolved over time with a flourishing "T" that covered the top of his signature. The so-called umbrella signature of Thomas Edison is recognized around the world.
One of the most expedient and reasonably reliable methods of signature comparison is to view examples that are posted by reputable auction houses, or websites with a large inventory of autographed items. Autograph collecting organizations often display popular autographs on their websites. Websites such as Famous-Celebrity-Autographs.com have a large inventory of autographs that may be very helpful when analyzing signature patterns. If the signature pattern of the autograph under consideration is grossly different than known examples, its authenticity is dubious because it has not passed the first test of analysis.
On the other hand, it is important to remember that a similar or identical signature pattern to a known example of an autograph does not necessarily mean that your autograph is authentic. Further scrutiny is needed to validate authenticity of an autograph. After confirming similarity, be sure that your autograph is not a rubber stamp, imprint, or one made by a mechanical autopen. Common sense will eliminate many fakes. Many reputable autograph collecting organizations have resources available on the Internet that may be useful when analyzing your autograph.
Autograph collecting can be a fun, exciting, and educational endeavor. With careful analysis using basic tools that are readily available on the Internet, the novice collector is better able to determine the authenticity of his autograph.
Copyright (c) FamousChecks.com
David Thoreau is an avid autograph collector. For the world's largest collection of celebrity signed checks and autograph articles, go to Famous-Celebrity-Autographs.com, a valuable resource for autograph collectors. David also recommends Money Secrets of the Rich and Famous, a book with celebrity biographies that is illustrated with their autographed checks.
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