We're an eBay affiliate and may be compensated on purchases made through clicks. 

I am starting this in hopes people will add their real Andy Griffith autographs and the Linke "secretarial" ones for comparison.  Since the death of Andy Griffith I have noticed a growing appreciation of the man and actor.  He was much more than just "Andy Taylor" his range from comedy to drama was great.  I suspect his popularity will increase partly because of TCM showing some of his dramatic and comic performances. 

In this study if you scroll down the comments you will find links to Andy Griffith's four appearances as a "Mystery Guest" on the television game show What's My Line? in 1958, 1959,1965 and 1967.  There are captures of his signature as he signed in below also. 

With Andy Griffith autographs it is not so much the forgeries, since the value has not quite reached the level to make it worthwhile, but "secretarial" signatures that are the problem.  The "secretary" generally was Richard O. Linke a producer who worked with Griffith for many years.  It is hoped that people will submit genuine autographs from checks or other sources as well as any "fake" ones.  The more there is for comparison the better our understanding of the nuances in his signature.

For many years the "Linke" autographs were considered real much in the same way that the "Challton Heston" signatures were.  An old respected collector many years ago told me that most of the Andy Griffith autographs were suspect.  At that time it was assumed a secretary was signing.  Based on what my friend told me I never actually owned an Andy Griffith autograph until I bought checks on eBay a few years ago!  The work that Gary Wedemeyer and Frank Johnson are doing to educate people on the subject of the "Linke" autographs is very valuable.  Like most TAGS collectors they have a great passion for the subject.  I would like to thank them for their efforts.

The first is the signature of a very young Andy Griffith at age 18.  This comes from the World War II draft registration form that was signed by Andy Griffith.  I have never seen an earlier example of his signature although no doubt some exist.    The original is in the National Archives so in a way this is an Andy Griffith autograph that we all own!

Views: 7377

Replies to This Discussion

Andy Griffith signed on chalkboard on What's My Line originally added by Gary Wedemeyer.

This is an authentic Andy signature from the early 90's. His signature got a little more "shaky" through the years but the overall structure is still the same.

This signature is typical of his later years.  He did have Guillain-Barre syndrome that is neurological in nature perhaps that is why his signature seems that of an older person than he was then. 

I have had some email correspondence with a lady at PSA. I have been trying and trying to get them to let me explain the differences in the Real autograph compared to the Linke version. She emailed me 2 days ago and said she would love to talk to me, I told her to call me anytime and I will show her the evidence. I hope after 3 years of trying they will now take me serious. I turned PSA into a website called Hauls of Shame for authenticating so many fake signatures. I am tired of seeing all this junk show up on ebay. If I get anywhere with them, I will let the group know.  

Great news!! I wish you luck.

A check seems the best way to go to get a nice authentic signature. Any idea what would be a fair price for one?

A check would be considered a legal document - thus the price goes up. I usually sell mine for $100 - so anything in that range would be good.

I would say that between $75-100 depending on how sharp the signature is.  Have seen them listed for twice that usually with PSA or JSA but I certainly would not pay extra for that especially for a check.

That is good news Frank.  I know some from PSA used to check out this website so perhaps they will see this study also.

Quick update, I just got off the phone with a manager at PSA A Veronica Lopez. I presented her with all my research, sending her ebay item numbers of Linke versions of Andy's autograph. And had her compare them to a few signed checks and the slabbed beckett cut I sold last week. She said she would turn everything over to her manager and have them do further research. If any of you have the time it wouldn't hurt to email them as well. Show them that I am not some nut lol. The more people that this affects the more they will care.

Do you have an email address to write or just to PSA-DNA in general.  You might also mention this signature study that we have worked on.  The Linke signatures are quite distinct when compared to the real Griffith autographs.  I feel confident PSA will come around once they study the exemplars.

Here is another "PSA" authenticated signature on eBay right now. What is everybody's thoughts??? I know what my thoughts are!!

Attachments: No photo uploads here

RSS

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Videos

  • Add Videos
  • View All

© 2024   Created by Steve Cyrkin, Admin.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service