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Help with Neil Armstrong Autograph from the 1980s?

Hello, first-time poster here. When I was in the fourth grade (1985), I wrote to NASA for a Neil Armstrong autograph. I received an 8x10 portrait of him in his spacesuit with what looks to be a marker autograph. I would like to pass this on to my sister's kids, but I'm not sure if it's a true autograph or a preprinted photo. The pen detail is not clear enough to me to determine if it's riding on top of the photo.

Did NASA have preprinted autograph photos of N. Armstrong? The tape on the back of the photo was from when I was a kid and I taped it to my door. There is a small "69" written in pencil at the bottom of the front of the photo, to the right of his name.

If anyone might be of assistance, I would sure appreciate it! I was about to send it to a verification service, but heard that that might not be a good idea.

Again, I'm brand new at this--if any other photos might help, let me know!

Thank you so much,
Matthew

Front: http://fothl.org/images/na1.jpg

Detail of autograph: http://fothl.org/images/na2.jpg

Low profile shot of autograph: http://fothl.org/images/na3.jpg

Back: http://fothl.org/images/na4.jpg

Tags: Armstrong, Neil

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Permalink Reply by EjsWurhl on November 8, 2011 at 6:23pm

Some of the guys here should be able to help you out. I always thought he was autopen TTM.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on November 8, 2011 at 6:35pm

This is a job for Mr. Zipper!

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on November 11, 2011 at 5:15am

Hi Matthew

This is an unquestionably authentic through-the-mail Armstrong. Even with the fading and condition issue on the back, it's quite valuable because it is unpersonalized.

Are you sure this was obtained in 1985? The signature style appears closer to his 70s signing style.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Manint on November 11, 2011 at 8:31am

Hello Mr. Zipper,

Thank you for your expert opinion! I'm thinking that NASA may have had a cache of his signed pictures, as I distinctly remember writing for his autograph when I was in the fourth grade. I will be sure to keep it safe. Thanks again!

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on November 11, 2011 at 8:41am

The NASA logo on the back was introduced in 1975. So, it could have been signed no earlier than then.

Given the volume he signed, I doubt they could stockpile much! It was probably signed at the time of your request. It's certainly possible he signed this way in 1985, but it is more reminiscent of his earlier style. Very nice signature.

I wish I was smart enough to write for his autograph when I was in fourth grade!

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Manint on November 11, 2011 at 8:49am

I also got a signed picture of Jacques Cousteau emerging from one of his deep-sea craft, but I kick myself because I can't find it now.

All of the astronauts did truly heroic things, and I admire how Neil didn't want to bask in the limelight for his own gain. I do wish he'd do an interview or two, but that's his decision.