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Detecting Reprints

Hello all.....I've been a collector for the past 10+ years but with most things in life, I realize that there is always more that can be learned. This is going to seem like an odd question to most of you seasoned collectors out there but here goes - Is there a sure-fire way to detect a "reprint"? Some can be extremely obvious I know but I have come across some, due to some of the more sophisticated photo processing techniques, that have been a little problematic. Generally, when you use a "sharpie" or similar pen you can see the sheen from the ink on the glossy finish of the photo just by holding the picture at different angles to the light. Also, magnification helps. It's easier with photos signed in ballpoint pen because you see the obvious indentation. But recently, I've come across some reprints where it actually appears that the ink is on the surface of the glossy finish of the photo. I have two in my collection that I'm finding to be questionable. I'm considering using a small amount of alcohol on a minute portion of the autograph to see if the ink image runs. I'm a little hesitant to do this in fear that I might damage what could be the real deal. I also have the equipment to do a microscopic examination. Any other suggestions out there? Be gentle now. I know that this kind of question leaves me wide open for some sarcastic replies. Thanks and take care.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on June 14, 2013 at 12:44pm

Hi Bruce. Just one quick thought: It might not be the worst idea to post some scans of the items in question. If they are of well known celebrities, some other collectors on this forum may be familiar with common reprints that they have been known to send through the mail.

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Permalink Reply by Bruce E Kelley on June 14, 2013 at 12:58pm

Thank you Rich for such a quick response. I'm going to use your suggestion. I think that it's a good start but I don't know how someone can come to a definitive conclusion or even a staunch opinion when authenticity is difficult to discern while examining the actual item. What's to say that the item submitted is not the original photo that produced the reprint(s). I guess this is all just the nature of the beast when it comes to autograph collecting. Thanks again for your suggestion.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on June 14, 2013 at 12:55pm

If the signature is printed "on top" of the photo they can be more deceptive than the old school pre-prints where the signature was obviously "part of the photo."

That said, they should still be easy to detect.

Look where lines cross... is it totally flat or can you see where one line obviously lies on top of another?
Look for streaking... preprints are usually very flat and solid looking... you won't see natural streaks or tiny bubbles in the ink.

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Permalink Reply by Bruce E Kelley on June 14, 2013 at 1:01pm

Thank you Mr. Zipper. I'll use your suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Bruce E Kelley on June 14, 2013 at 7:06pm

Thank you Michael. I followed the link and read your informative article.

Through the years I have researched a large number of both sellers and authenticators. It has been extremely difficult to find any of the above types of businesses that have not had some kind of complaint or allegation directed at them. Even with the big three authenticators: PSA/DNA, JSA and GAI. I have read numerous allegations ranging from minor complaints to serious reports of FBI involvement in some instances. Is World of Autographs the same "worldofautographsinc" that has the complaint and rebuttal on the "Rippoff Report" website? If so, did the company eventually go through the "arbitration" process to set the record straight? I ask this not to insult or besmirch the company but to make a point.

I have become very frustrated and disillusioned with the whole autograph industry and hobby of collecting. I have finally decided to give up collecting. It has reached the point that it is almost impossible to determine what and who to believe. (I'm not including you in this category, Michael). It seems to be getting harder to sort fact from fiction and truth from scam. What was once a very enjoyable past time has become basically just a source of aggravation. It has gotten to the point that the only way I would accept an autograph as being authentic is if 1) I obtained the autograph in person (which is not possible for a lot of us) or 2) it was deemed authentic by a certified "forensic handwriting examiner" (and that's not going to happen). In any case, I appreciate the help and information that you have all provided. Take care.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on June 14, 2013 at 8:43pm

Bruce, believe it or not, there are some very safe avenues through which to purchase authentic autographs with very little if any concern about whether it's real. It sort of depends of what you're looking to purchase. If you're looking for a modern day athlete - say Aaron Rodgers or Derek Jeter - then getting an authentic item with the utmost peace of mind that it's authentic is actually quite easy, though not necessarily cheap. A-list celebs and music stars can be a different story, though there are actually a few dealers that I have very few if any concerns about. I don't think very much of third party authentication in general, though some companies are decidedly better than others.

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Permalink Reply by Bruce E Kelley on June 14, 2013 at 9:07pm

Thanks Michael. I'm not sure if I agree with your statement about forensic handwriting examiners having trouble with autographs. They are often called by the courts to be expert witnesses in situations where signatures need to be authenticated on deeds, contracts and wills that sometimes involve millions of dollars. After all, an autograph is just a signature. I think that it is probably more case of the examiners not having the desire to expend their expertise on autographs. But at any rate, thanks again.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on June 14, 2013 at 9:12pm

Some autographs I don't believe they could conclusively authenticate one way or another. Think of the terrible looking scribble that Al Pacino makes.

But some of those "forensic examiners" are complete frauds in the hobby.

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Permalink Reply by Michael T on June 18, 2013 at 4:34pm

Well there are a few well known forensic examiners that work in the autograph authentication field and are notorious for getting it wrong most of the time.

I am not an expert in the field of handwriting authentication but signatures seem to be a different beast...