Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve on November 12, 2011 at 10:56pm

You can take a magnifying glass and you can see if the marker is raised (legit) or flat (re-print).

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Sledz on November 12, 2011 at 11:08pm

What if it is ink not a marker?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve on November 12, 2011 at 11:15pm

I haven't taken a look at a possible ink pre-print.  Good question.  I guess you can test it out and write something in ink on photo paper and then print it and see what the differences are.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Sledz on November 12, 2011 at 11:56pm

The thing is, is that Pre prints are not copies.. So it wouldn't reflect the same way a copy of an autograph would.  I have copies made to see the differences..But a Pre Print is really a computerized printing.  I know I heard people say to use the Jewelers scope but I wonder what I would be looking for ...hmmm...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve on November 13, 2011 at 10:59am

Robert, a pre-print can be a copy.  It depends on how you are choosing to define it. You may be referring to the photo, I am referring to the signature.  To me, a pre-printed signature is one that is already on the paper.  Either way, whether it is a copy or a pre-print, it will show up flat, you can run your finger across it and not be able to feel the writing.  If written in pen, you should be able to see the indentations, if a pre-print/copy, you wouldn't be able to.  Here is some info: http://www.jkrs-army.com/library/preprints/index.html

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Sledz on November 13, 2011 at 5:30pm

Your examples are easier because they are made in felt pens.  But mine is in ink and it is much harder tomake this same kind of determination.  I have several copies of laser copied felt signatures that I can easily tell are not real or authentic, but this one is stumping me because it is in ink and it there is very little light coming against it.  there is feathering... i just cannot see the streak of light emanating it.  again.  I know what you are referring to, but this is a thinnly signed photo in ink.  It isn't in felt like many I could easily determine as you have in your examples which I am thankful you provided.. here is a Mary Pickford I had shown a professional dealer and he told me it was fine because it had the missing ink portion and could not be a copy.  A photo over 75 years old is not going to show the kind of luster you have in your examples.. not unless it is made in felt...again..I think... lol..

 

i just have to research this further.  it is not easy to determine when it is written in ink..

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Sledz on November 13, 2011 at 5:34pm

This too is  the one I originally am trying to figure out... The first inMary Pickford was written in Fountain Pen.. The Bing Crosby was written in ink...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michael Kasmar-AutographPros.com on February 26, 2012 at 7:37pm

First, google the person's name and put "Autographed Photo" after it.  Click on IMAGES and see if you can find that exact signature/photo.  That's the easiest way.  If another seller has the same photo with the same exact signature in the same exact location, voila.

This is something I don't recommend, but is a potential solution.  If you've tried everything else, as a last resort you can test a very small part of the signature using a fine tip marker erase pen.  If it's part of the photo, no ink will show on the fine tip erasure, if it's in ink, marker, or any type of writing instrument, something will appear.  Again, it's obviously vital you use extreme caution and do it on the very edge of the signature and just a little pin prick type dab to try to get something on the erasure.  

• ▶ Reply