Determining whether an autograph is genuine can be challenging but crucial for collectors. Here’s a guide to help you identify fake autographs by comparing the signature to known authentic examples, analyzing the provenance, and checking for preprinted or machine-generated signatures.
Method 1: Reading the Autograph
Step 1: Look at Examples of the Person’s Real Signature
To spot a fake autograph, familiarize yourself with the individual’s real signature by examining many authentic examples. Check online for authentic examples sold by major auction houses or collectibles dealers. Look for unique characteristics in the signature, like Barack Obama’s large leading letters “B” and “O”.
Step 2: Compare Your Autograph Against a Real One
Closely compare the autograph in question with authentic examples. Look for discrepancies in:
- Width and length of individual letters
- Space between letters
- Position of dots in lowercase “j” and “i”
- General handwriting style (cursive, print, or a combination)
- Presence of a dot in the middle of a character, indicating hesitation
Step 3: Look for Other Text
Additional handwritten text, such as a letter or inscription, provides more handwriting to compare and helps confirm authenticity.
Step 4: Ensure the Signature is Spelled Correctly
Authentic autographs will correctly spell the person’s name. Misspellings are a strong indicator of a fake.
Step 5: Look for Variation in Items with Multiple Autographs
On items like a baseball signed by a whole team, expect variation in pen strokes’ thickness. Uniform thickness in all signatures likely indicates a fake.
Method 2: Learning More About the Autograph
Step 1: Know the Date When the Autograph was Produced
Signatures can change over time. Compare the autograph to another from the same time period.
Step 2: Identify the Provenance
Trace the ownership history of the autograph back to its creation. Ask for details from the current owner and previous owners if available. Corroborating documents, such as diaries or photos depicting the autograph’s creation, also help establish authenticity.
Step 3: Evaluate the Ink or Paper
Check if the ink or paper matches the era in which the autograph was allegedly created. For example, paper from 1900-1945 was less absorbent than today’s paper. Modern ink on old paper with a “bleeding effect” suggests forgery.
Step 4: Use an Authenticator
Consult independent autograph authentication services specific to the industry, like the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) for sports autographs.
Step 5: Beware of Machine Signatures
Compare the autograph to a known machine-produced signature. Use a light table to overlay the signatures; perfect alignment indicates a machine-generated autograph. Remember, some authentic documents might contain machine-generated signatures.
Method 3: Identifying Preprint or Reprint Autographs
Step 1: Look for a Flat Appearance
Preprinted autographs are high-quality scans. Hold the photo to a bright light; a handwritten autograph will reflect differently than the rest of the photo.
Step 2: Run Your Finger Across the Autograph
Feel the texture of the ink. Authentic signatures will have a slight texture difference from the photo’s surface. Practice on an old photo to familiarize yourself with the feel of real ink.
Step 3: Try to Remove the Ink
Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to test if the ink can be removed. Preprint autographs won’t budge, but this method risks damaging an authentic autograph.
Community Q&A
Question: What do I call a person who can determine if a signature is fake?
Answer: A Forensic Document Examiner.
Question: Are there people who work at banks who can help me spot a fake autograph?
Answer: Bank employees typically aren’t trained for this task. Consider taking online or in-person classes on spotting fake autographs.
By carefully analyzing the autograph and its provenance, and by using tools and resources like authentic examples and professional authentication services, you can better determine the authenticity of an autograph.
