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Paul Newman opinion wanted...What do you think of this signed photo?

I am hoping we might have a few Paul Newman experts out there. Looking at all PSA/JSA authenticated Newman signatures that I can find, there are many similarities, but Newman signatures seem to be quite different, especially the design of the N in Newman. One thing I did find very consistent, was the Best Wishes, it matches up exactly with all that I found. Anyway, any opinion are welcome. Thanks in advance.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 1, 2016 at 2:02pm

I would be fairly confident with this signed photo. I would not consider myself an expert though.

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Permalink Reply by Edward Siebert on July 1, 2016 at 7:54pm

I think it could be a pre-print...unusual to have the 'best wishes' but no inscription.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on July 1, 2016 at 8:17pm

Do you mean a pre-print sent out by his agent, or a photo copy from a collector? Not quite sure what you meant.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on July 2, 2016 at 4:18pm

I have only found two other photo's with Best Wishes and his signature, now I'm a little worried about this one! I hope some other collectors can chime in with their opinions.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 2, 2016 at 4:49pm

It does not have the usual signs of being pre-printed. Normally, pre-printed photos are produced in quantity and you can find examples online. If it is signed with an ink pen and you can see the ink above the photo and/or indentations I would say Newman was the signer. The only way to know for sure is to have it in your hands.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on July 2, 2016 at 5:40pm

The first thing I always do when I receive a photo is to look carefully at an angle with a magnifying glass. A sharpie is easy to tell because a copy will look flat and if real, looks raised. A ballpoint pen, like you mentioned, will leave an indentation. On this photo, I honestly cannot tell. It seems to be signed with a fine pen, not a ballpoint, but not a regular sharpie. I cannot find the usual signed of good or bad when I look at it. I may have to put on some glasses and then use the magnifying glasses. You can see a few spots in the B when he ink is not smooth from being held in one spot a little longer.

I agree on if this was a pre-print, there would be other examples online. I was not able to find another while searching online.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on July 2, 2016 at 7:02pm

Hello,

What do folks make of this inverted image? I only "pointed" out a few, but they are numerous and rather evenly spaced.

Eric

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Permalink Reply by Steve on July 3, 2016 at 12:51am

I noticed that too. What do you think that could be from? Is that something you would see from an autopen?

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on July 3, 2016 at 5:55am

Hi Steve,

We know Newman used an Autopen some times. We know an Autopen can sign with many types of instruments. The curves are reasonable, but later "autopens", facsimiles of whatever modern mechanical origin, handle curves better than their predecessors. They look mechanical - the spacing. However, whatever those evenly spaced marks are, they make me uncomfortable. I note the odd hardly visible diagonal down-to-the-right marks in the "N" and the odd start of the dash after "Best Wishes"...Without an in hand exam and more data, I would have to pass. It is possible this is some sort of combination of odd ink and odd photo paper. But...I'd like to know what the "ink" does in direct reflected light.

Eric

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Permalink Reply by Steve on July 3, 2016 at 12:29pm

I'm starting to think it is either an autopen, or an ink signature with a not so good pen whic was then photocopied. I'm going to spen a little more time with it this afternoon.

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Permalink Reply by Philip Harris on July 3, 2016 at 1:59pm

This signature just looks too perfect and placement is too perfect. Upon looking at others from very reputable dealers, the autographs the P is much larger and the "e" in Newman is almost always written over the "N". It just doesn't feel right....in my opinion.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on July 3, 2016 at 7:48pm

So, upon further inspection, the photo is written on. I can feel the slight indentation from the ink when I run my fingernail over it. So, it's not a photocopy, but still don't know if it is an autopen? If it is, I would have to say it was done by the seller and not something that came directly from Newman or his people. if it were from Newman, this wouldn't be the only one that looks like this. So the question is whether or not the hesitation marks that leaves little dots is typical of an autopen signature? Now anybody with information on what an autopen signature may or may not look like, their help would be much appreciated.