Wondering if anyone has an opinion on this? My wife has pretty much stayed out of autograph collecting but she has mentioned countless times over the years how she would love to have Karen Carpenter for her own collection. She came to me asking for help with this item that popped up on auction. I studied it for a while and came to the conclusion it was from the early 70s. I have no question about Richard, Doug or Gary but Karen has a slightly different angle that im not used to seeing. Overall, with the placements of the autographs, this item does seem to be signed by all 4 at the same time with the same pen. And I did run into another Karen signature that looks very similar. 

We decided to take our chances and at auction end, we bid $715 at the last minute and won it for $706 (I was praying it would end for less) it just arrived today and I told my wife to contain her excitement. This is still a process. The item arrived and its much more faded than the auction pictures shown. My wife was in contact with the seller and he stated that he would display autographs to impress clients for his business. This would explain the fading sadly. I wouldn't say its terrible but its definitely not the greatest. 

Over the years we have hunted for a signed "Close to You" vinyl, we have never seen one with Doug or Gary added on. They are nice extras to have but im uncertain of Gary's contributions to this album specifically. Ive read different accounts, the most logical was him being away in the military at this time. This would lead me to believe that this item was signed when he rejoined the group (1972 or 73?) Based on the style of Richards signature before it changed.

What does everyone think about these autographs? Did I over spend or get a deal? I keep alternating between the 2 because of the fading but also having 4 signatures on this album is pretty special. 

I'm going to attend a convention soon and have jsa authenticate it in person. Im pretty confident its real. Ill add one of the other signatures I found of Karen to compare