Collecting

How to Spot a Fake Autograph

Fake Autographs

In this article, we’ll try to point out the main factors you need to consider when buying any signed memorabilia. For collectors and true fans, this is a very sensitive matter. As a collector, you must be very careful since there are many individuals who will forge autographs and try to sell them as genuine. Even if you are buying from sellers with a worldwide reputation, there are no guarantees.

As an example, we could remember the story about Englishman Alan Sterling. In 2000, he bought the glove from the world-famous auction house Bonhams for £494. The glove was signed by some of the best heavyweights in the box history: Muhammad Ali,  Joe Frazier,  Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, etc. Soon after, it turned out that all the autographs were fake. This is only one of the numerous examples in which collectors were left red-handed. Is there a way to be absolutely sure that the item you are buying is authentic? Well, there are a few tips that can help you a lot.

Key tips to determine if an autograph is fake:

1) Beware the printed signatures (pre and post printed)

Most often, these autographs are on mass-produced sports memorabilia items. However, we can find them in other collectibles as well. How to spot this kind of fake autograph? The best way is to hold it up to a light. If the autograph lights up the same way as the picture, it was printed. Authentic autographs are added later and the ink often shows a purple-grey color when you look at it from the side of the picture.

A fine example of a pre-printed autograph by John Wayne.

2) Avoid autopens

An autopen is actually a machine that uses a mechanical arm to drag a pen along a plastic or metal signature template. Many politicians used autopens in their formal correspondences. For example, Jackie Kennedy relied on autopens to sign her responses to the thousands of condolence letters she received after the death of John Kennedy. Nowadays, autopens can be used to produce various fake autographs, since they create really authentic look. However, there are some important differences that can be spotted under a magnifying glass.

Lines created by the autopen have the exact same rhythm and thickness, unlike authentic autographs. When you write your own name, you sign it in one continuous movement. Also, the pen is moving before you start writing, as you move it towards the page. On the other hand, autopen comes down with a dot and ends abruptly with another dot. They have machine-like straight lines – especially if these lines are interrupted by accidental “robotic” wobbles, which can reveal where the autopen has slipped.

Beware the autopen. This machine is commonly used to produce autographs with an authentic look.

4) Think about the “how” and “when”

Always think about why and when someone signed the poster, photo, or any other item. For example, if an autograph dated pre-1960s is signed in a felt pen, then it is fake. Felt pens didn’t exist before the 1960s, and they should be signed in ink. Also, think about circumstances. For example, Bobby Fischer’s autograph on the invitation for the International chess tournament in Portoroz held in 1958 is, safe to say, genuine. Young Bobby signed along with other participants of the tournament, which was a common habit.

Genuine autograph by Bobby Fischer, on the invitation card for International Chess Tournament in Portoroz, held when Bobby was only 15. You can see the traces of ink and uneven, natural lines of pen movement.

5) Which dealer can you trust?

Finally, this is one of the most important questions. Earlier, dealers who had authentication services and were members of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club (UACC), were safe to trust. However, these services came under a lot of fire in recent years. Also, a UACC membership can be bought, so it doesn’t guarantee you anything. What is the safest option? Choose a seller who will give you a lifetime warranty. Also, look out for prices. If a rare and valuable autograph is represented as a bargain, it’s probably fake.

I hope that this article was helpful. Stayed tuned for more!

Feel free to check our collection of autographs. We offer a full lifetime guarantee.

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About Miloš Stanković

Miloš Stanković was born in Vranje, where he finished high school education. After that, he moved to Belgrade where, in 2014, he graduated in literature and languages from the University of Belgrade. After gaining a bachelor's degree, he also finished master studies at the same university. The literature and art were always his main interests. However, he is passionate about creating other content as well. He loves researching new topics and creating unique content. Besides formal education, Milos gained an education in copywriting, WordPress development, and SEO.

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