Andy, Thanks for taking some time here. I've always loved collecting autographs, and I've found that I have a pretty good eye for discerning legitimate autographs from fakes. But I know I have a lot of room to grow.
I know the TPA companies have extensive databases of exemplars, which I assume are proprietary. Are there other ways to gain access to exemplars (short of looking at authenticated items for sale on eBay)?
Do you have any other tips for learning more about autograph authentication?
This is a hobby and a passion of mine and I enjoy both collecting and dealing in autographs.
Thank you!
I love autos, too! I don't do too many modern autos anymore, but I will give you my perspective.
Exemplar databases are an important tool when authenticating 'graphs. But it isn't the end-all, be-all. Databases are proprietary, so that's going to make it tough to find one to use. But there are other tools and skills you need to work on that aren't hard to find.
Just like card grading, the more you handle, the more you learn. And learning the grading scale and standards are important, but you have to know more than just the grading standards. You have to learn about how cards are manufactured. How are cards altered and counterfeited?
In autographs, how are sigs made? What are the tools used? Sure, there's ballpoint pen and permanent markers, but what about fountain pen nibs or pencil? What about types of inks used and when they were available? Felt tip markers were not commercially available before 1964. Just knowing that will eliminate autos that would be impossible to be authentic. Ruth did not have a Sharpie!
I remember an interesting example. Years ago I saw a letter signed by Thomas Jefferson that the authenticators were examining. Beautiful letter and it sure did look correct. Since I also collect comic art, I have spent a lot of time learning about papers and pens and inks. I am a nerd when it comes to paper so the authenticator asked if I wanted to look the letter over. Now, I do not claim to be an autograph expert, I am a card expert. But I wanted to look at the paper and ink.
When I was handed the letter, I checked it against a light source to see what the watermark was. In the early 19th century, good paper was expensive, and companies took pride in identifying their product with distinctive watermarks. Long story short, the British watermark in the paper of this letter was not used until the 1830s. Jefferson passed in 1826.
So, my advice if you are wanting to learn more about autograph authentication, start with handling or viewing as many known authentic examples you can and also spend some time learning about how autographs are made and the objects that people sign.
Find what your specialty area is. Are you only collecting sports autos? Autos only on cards? Maybe you want to focus on only entertainment autos. Find your niche and geek out. No one can know it all. Become an expert in your chosen corner of the world of autographs!
@cardgrader - thank you for the tips! I love to geek out with vintage baseball on card autographs. That is my primary focus areas right now. I have some other memorabilia (signed baseballs and photos), but I've sold off most of those items to concentrate on vintage baseball cards.
I view and handle as many vintage autographed cards as I can and I've gotten fairly good at identifying certain player's autographs and avoiding the fakes. I still have a lot more to learn.
I appreciate the tips to learn more about the cardstock and writing instrument and ink types. I'll start there.
Do you have any recommended books*, courses, or resources? Thanks!
*I have a copy and have read Baseball Hall of Fame Autographs by Ron Keurajian
I actually do not have many recommendations for autograph books unfortunately. Rons book is a good one.
I will consult with my good friend James Spence III on any books he would recommend, and I will report back here!
Do you have any recommended books*, courses, or resources? Thanks!
*I have a copy and have read Baseball Hall of Fame Autographs by Ron Keurajian
I do have one good book for you. There is some great info about autograph authentication in here:
@cardgrader - Thank you, Andy. I bought a copy online. I look forward to reading it when it arrives next week!
