For many years there have been countless claims of genuine Rat Pack signed albums, photos and all types of memorabilia, by sellers who typical lack the experience and are adamant about their particular product’s authenticity.  Yet, out of hundreds (maybe thousands) of Rat Pack items that have been for sale over the years, a genuine example has never been found, Until now.    Below is Sands Hotel stationary authentically signed by all FIVE members of the Rat Pack, unquestionably genuine and certified by JSA.

But, the purpose of posting this is to demonstrate what a REAL autograph as this with such historical significance really looks like.   It is also a good reference what characteristics to look for in genuine autographs, particularly from the vintage era, which also are the most heavily forged.   Below is my own list of what separates this genuine “Rat Pack” example from all the forgeries that continue to flood the market.   Feel free to add your own techniques for determining authenticity.  Note that these are methods that go beyond the typical signature analysis, which is of course the basis and most critical component of autograph authentication.   But, by employing other “deeper” level analysis that includes some of the processes below, will add more credibility and accuracy to a lone signature analysis, and of course combat those skilled forgers, that once in a while fool the 3^rd party authentication process. Of course no one characteristic makes an item genuine, it is the totality of all the evidence, whereby we eliminate critical points and chip away at areas of suspicion that ultimate determines an item’s authenticity.

Spectacular Circa 1956 Rat Pack Signed Sands Las Vegas Stationary

1). The signatures are done with a period ball point pen, not the typical flare felt tip marker you often see on Rat Pack items claimed to be signed by them. .
2). It is on a medium that is consistent with the signers and likelihood they would be in that location to sign together, i.e. Sand Hotel stationary
3). It is dated to a consistent time period that would be consistent with not only the group’s cohesiveness but also consistent with the signature styles during that time period (i.e. Sinatra signature consistent with his late 50’s signature).
4). Has a highly natural appearance including mistakes made by Dean Martin.
5). Has a highly natural look that forgers are highly unlikely to want to include , as it would diminish value, such as additional Non-Rat Pack related signatures.
6). The medium is not over-exaggerated.  For example, what are the chances someone would have an album or even a photo available for all these members to sign, at that very rare window of opportunity?

These are some of the things I always look for when acquiring rare autographs, beyond just the signature analysis.    Below is the auction description of this great piece.   The lucky winner of this piece paid just under $6000.  Not a bad deal for an item that may be the only one of its kind in existence.

AUCTION DESCRIPTION.

One of the most complete Rat Pack items in existence, finding all of the members on one item, especially one with the history and provenance supplied here is nearly impossible. This iconic piece was obtained in the 1950’s by the consignor’s grandfather who was a nightclub manager at the hotel and had near unlimited access to all of these Hollywood legends. While individual signatures from members of the Rat Pack are readily available, our research indicates that this could very well be one of only a handful or fewer Sands Hotel items signed by the entire Rat Pack in existence and certainly the only one offered at auction in the better part of a decade. The Sands hotel 7 ¼” x 10 ¼” stationary page signed by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin (signed twice), Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, Richard Conte (Oceans 11 star) and Dan Dailey, who starred in the 1956 film “Meet Me in Las Vegas” which was shot on-location at the Sands Hotel, a film in which Sinatra and Davis both appeared in cameo roles. The page exhibits moderate handling wear with expected mailing folds and there is a note written on the reverse in blue ballpoint by the grandfather to his daughter listing all of the signatures on the page. Accompanied by a Sands Hotel envelope signed and personalized by Jerry Lewis in blue ballpoint which exhibits moderate handling wear with two vertical folds. JSA Certified.