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Permalink Reply by Mike T on October 14, 2014 at 7:30pm

Looks like early 90s to me.

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Permalink Reply by Robin Banks on October 14, 2014 at 7:31pm

Thank you Mike

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on October 15, 2014 at 2:37pm

In my opinion, this was likely signed in the 1980s. It is not quite as tall and lean looking at his 70s style, yet by the 90s, his signature was typically much more "blocky" looking and more carelessly applied.

That said, sometimes he did slip back into his more classic look... even in the 90s. It would help to see the relative size.

This looks familar... is there more writing above the "good luck? " That would help as well.

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Permalink Reply by Mike T on October 15, 2014 at 2:57pm

Here's the signatures I used just for reference:

1993

1994

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on October 15, 2014 at 3:56pm

Ah, I believe these examples are from my online Neil Armstrong Autograph Study. :-) Bear in mind, these examples are from signed art prints, so they are nicer examples than what mail recipients were typically getting.

Definitely similarities in the construction of the N, but note the difference in the A. The 90s examples have a broader A and the elbow of the paraph is more "boxy." Overall look is "thick."

I'm not getting that sense from the initial example. Plus, by the 90s he was much more sparing with adding incriptions like "good luck."

In any case, I don't think either of us are that far off. It was likely signed within a few years of 1990 either way.

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Permalink Reply by Mike T on October 15, 2014 at 4:05pm

Haha I thought you might recognize them. Good points! I enjoy learning this sort of thing. I considered the inscription to be part of a larger personalization that is likely cropped off in the photo, did he sign more personalized items later in life or earlier?

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on October 15, 2014 at 4:11pm

He personalized the vast majority of the time for the entire period he signed. That is why unpersonalized portraits fetch about 4X the price of personalized examples.

But, as time went on, he used the sentiments less frequently. For example, in 1970 you had a good chance of getting, "To John Smith, With all good wishes, Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11."

By 1990, it was, "To John Smith, Neil Armstrong."

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Permalink Reply by Mike T on October 15, 2014 at 4:24pm

Makes sense, must get tiring after a whole lifetime of signing, especially as requests piled on. Thanks for the info!

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Permalink Reply by Robin Banks on October 15, 2014 at 8:17pm

Thank you to both Mike and Mr. Zarelli. This was signed on a piece of paper 5 ¾” x 8” with no other writing besides "good luck". I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge on this forum. Its what keeps me coming back to this site.

Kind Regards
Robin

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on October 16, 2014 at 3:16am

My pleasure, Robin. In my opinion, an undoubtably authentic signature and a nice example at that. Enjoy!

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