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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on August 28, 2012 at 6:33pm

Since Marilyn Monroe died two years before the first Sharpie came out, I think that would be good reason alone to pass on these autographs. The writing on hers especially is far off in any case.

Where were you offered these?

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on August 28, 2012 at 7:09pm

The Kennedy looks off to me.  Very sloppy and atypical.  If he was taking the time to sign a photo for someone that he "rubbed elbows with" he would probably have taken an extra moment.  The Truman actually looks pretty typical but that doesn't mean it's not an autopen or secretarial.  Perhaps someone else will be able to lend assistance there.  I agree with Steve about the Marilyn although I'm not convinced that it's a Sharpie.  It could just be an old black marker.  Weren't black markers available prior to her death?  It does appear very shaky and suspicious though.  It does not look fluid at all.

Also, why did JFK and Marilyn sign the name differently?  Kennedy spelled it "Jimmie" and Marilyn spelled it "Jimmy".  Strange to say the least.  You may want to inquire about that.

You aren't being a nuisance.  This is what we enjoy and we all have plenty of room to "learn a little more" as well.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on August 28, 2012 at 8:56pm

+1

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Permalink Reply by ronnie magoo on August 29, 2012 at 7:01am

Wow, you guys are breaking my heart!  But saving me money.  :^)

These are offered in a local classified ad, Steve.  The seller says he inherited the collection and has no interest in keeping them.

On the Marilyn, I wondered if the dark marker was traced over a faded original inscription.  I noticed it looked kind of shakey, and see the attached picture where it looks like there are lighter marks alongside the black marker.

As for the two spelling of Jimmie/Jimmy - It's not really evidence that the signatures are real; but if anything, I would take that as evidence they at least were not forged by the same person, though a clever forger could have thought of that as well. 

Attachments: No photo uploads here

• Monroe_Redlines.jpg, 1.5 MB

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on August 29, 2012 at 7:23am

More likely it was poorly traced over a preprinted inscription...one that may have been of a forgery itself.

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Permalink Reply by diane russo on January 1, 2014 at 2:41pm

Sharpie wasnt out when MM was alive. Someone took a sharpie and just went over a signature that was probably a copied photo that was signed. Wow. 

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