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Authenticity is Everything
Studying Autographs? Any tips would be appreciated.
I was wondering if anyone could give me pointers on studying someones graph. I know it takes a lot focus and time to do so. As far as typical characteristics I can see these in people's graph but not all the time. I do know you also have to look at the formation of the letters, size and height. Also as far as rushed and slowly drawn what exactly do I look for? Any tips would be appreciated. The only graph I've really been looking at is Uma Thurman's graph so I've been seeing most of the typical characteristics her autograph always contains.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on
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Authenticating autographs is as much art as science. A few tips I know. Store a file of known examples on your computer. Study those. Then look at every image you can out there and soon you will get a sense of what an authentic signature will look like. You will be able to spot tendencies and patterns associated with the signers style and habits. Once you think you are getting good, find one you think is authentic and ask here or someone you trust has the knowledge. When you start getting more positive responses you are well on your way of knowing a signer's genuine autograph.
One final thought. Nothing beats experience.
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Permalink Reply by CJCollector on
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Study, study, study.
Look at authentic examples of autographs every day.
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Permalink Reply by Null on
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You need to build an exemplar folder full of 100% authentic examples, rushed examples, 100% forgeries, etc. Anything you can find, just be very careful and make sure it's authentic if you note it that way. If it's possible, note the year as well since most people's signature changes a lot over time.
As you are building this folder, your eyes will already be training themselves...
Just takes time.
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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on
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The biggest mistake novices make is looking at "shape" only. Formation or shape is only one part of the authenticity equation. You need to also analyze speed, pressure, size, where the person tended to sign, what items they tended to sign or not sign, etc.
Even mediocre fakes can replicate the formation well enough to fool many collectors. However, to a trained eye, the fake will appear drawn, heavy, slow or have "too much thinking" in it.
Sometimes, with really skilled fakes, it's hard to put your finger on what is wrong with it, but you just know it looks "off" in a subtle, but concerning way.
There are no shortcuts. It all boils down to studying the autograph over time and learning how it should look and "feel."
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Steve is correct.
It is NOT easy learning autographs.
Patience, patience, patience.
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Permalink Reply by Paul on
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Just hang around the forum for a while and see what the more experienced collectors say about things.
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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on
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Now what Paul said? The absolutely best advice! :)
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Steve gave you some of the best advice you can get.
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Permalink Reply by Samuel John Clifford on
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Thank you guys, I appreciate all the help. I'm hoping I can get better at identifying genuine autographs and forgeries. I'll keep studying the autographs of people I'm a fan of.
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Permalink Reply by Robert Sarro on
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This was a great post. I have been studying the 500 home run club now for a couple years and I'm still far from perfect. I've actually got some help on a few items I've bought from a member here. I recently made a purchase and before I bought it I literally spent hours looking at every autograph one by one and comparing them to 100's of autographs that had been graded by JSA or PSA and after concluding that they would have had to be 11 perfect fakes I still asked for help from someone who knows more than me before pulling the trigger. It's a hard thing to learn but if you put the time in I think you can give yourself a really good idea before you make any purchases.
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Permalink Reply by Robin McKay on
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You kind of get a good idea what is real based on examples posted. However, no signature is ever going to be the same all the time, hence the atypical signatures, making authentication that bit harder.
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