Not an answer, but I found an article on PSA that discussed the changes to one ballplayer's signature over time:
https://www.psacard.com/articles/art...der-hugh-duffy
Quote:
The right handed signature of "Hugh Duffy" evolved over the years from a smaller, upright (almost obtuse) version to a larger acute style that remained fairly consistent in the 1940's and 50's. The initial stroke of the capital "H" formed what resembled a European "1", broken, then collaborated with a separate vertical downstroke and intersecting loop that pierced the former. In later years, he would generally bisect the second downstroke to lead into the legible "u". He may or may not connect with the always adjoining "gh". The "g" could be mistaken for a lower case cursive "j", stretching high to create an oversized "h" and finishing with a vertically dropping downstroke.
Although closed in earlier times, the capital "D" (the tallest letter) often had a large gap on top with varying styles of open and closed loops. In earlier times, he would not use a baseline initial stroke with the "u" but later it was employed and often elevated the balance of his signature. The attached double "f" combination was tightly configured with triangular bottom loops whose summation bared resemblance to an ornate capital "H". Without a pen lift, a large tilted "y" finished upward normally not violating the baseline. His latter signature slowed down some in the final year and became less fluid and jagged.
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So my question would be focused on this latter year, and the implications for collectibility (not for Hugh Duffy specifically of course...)