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Mantle Difficulty

I've been a collector nearly 30 years. As a Police Officer, I incorporated my hobby in to my work, and studied Forensic Handwriting Analysis. I came across this Mantle, and it caught my eye. I noticed several key similarities, and only a few irregularities at glance. Upon comparison, and under magnification, I see no irregularities in the flow. I find no irregular impression points. Nor, do I see any dragging in the flow of the pen. I've had several Mantle collectors say it is a fake.

Needing more insight, I hired Richard Simon to offer his opinion. As well respected as Richard is on Yankee items, I trust his opinion. He deemed it good. A friend who works at the FBI Crime Lab with Forensic Handwriting, also viewed the signature, and agreed it is good.

That said, there should be little question as to the findings. Thoughts?

I will post photos of the ball, and my comparison exemplars from various years.

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Permalink Reply by Matt Cordoves on December 25, 2017 at 7:03am

Fair enough. You posted your opinion, I posted my observation with similar comparisons, relative measurements, and similar characteristics.

I'm not saying it is authentic, or not authentic. My opinion, based on examination, is that known signatures of Mantle throughout his life have traits, distinguishable by his hand. I found several similarities to those traits on this ball, of which I posted pictures of this morning. Again, this is what makes it fun!

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Permalink Reply by Matt Cordoves on December 25, 2017 at 7:05am

Here is what I posted this morning related to letter spacing, height, and apex spacing.

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MantleEnhanced.jpg, 169 KB

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Permalink Reply by Matt Cordoves on December 25, 2017 at 7:12am

A skilled forger, will continue to forge based on greed for monitary gain. Once they realize their ploy is successful, they will continue to forge until it is no longer feasible, or until they are caught. Like any signature, no two are the exact same. The best example of course is Greg Marino, who was a very talented artist.

I have yet to find another example of this type of forgery, but have found several authentic Mantle signatures that share the traits. Under the scope, the speed of the pen is natural, there are no irregular starting or stopping points, nor are there any irregularities in the flow of the pen by applied pressure.

Again, very unique and I am glad to present it for discussion!

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Permalink Reply by CJCollector on December 25, 2017 at 7:22am

I see no speed or spontaneity in that "Mantle" and absolutely no characteristics of an authentic Mantle autograph.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Charnick on December 25, 2017 at 1:56pm

I am certainly more of a Mautle in this thread of Mantles (i.e. you guys are All-Stars, i'm just a bat boy), but the one thing I take from all this, is that it's a great item to study and discuss and that's about it. With all the disagreement amongst the experts here, the only sure thing is I would never want something so questionable in my collection. Merry Christmas all!