Q: Autograph Experts - photo/signature help.
 

I recently purchased a Brooks Robinson signed picture. When I received the picture it may be on the picture, or it may be copied. How can I tell? Is there anyone here an expert in knowing whether it's on the photo or copied, or do I need to send it to one of the authentication companies?

Any help would be great. If it's real, great; if not, I want to know.

Regards,

Mark

Stand next to a strong light. Hold the photo under the light and "roll" it gently. The ink should literally "leap" off the page if it is actually signed.

Brooks Robinson photo
 

Richard,

When I hold it under a strong light it reflects where the signature is located; is this what you mean? I don't see much of any indention on the photo though. Is this an issue? Thought there would be some type of pressure from signing.

Is it signed in ball point or sharpie?

Brooks
 

Attached is the item I'm talking about. It think it would be a ball point pen; definitely not a sharpie.

Brooks
 

You should get one of those cheap pocket microscopes. Under $20 on eBay, with the little light attached.
Using that, you can usually tell immediately if it is live ink or printed.

Not Brooksies autograph

I agree with Jim.
I used to own this postcard. It is postmarked 1958, so it is a very early signature. While I think it looks a lot closer to this one, I still have doubts.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...insonFront.jpg

Authenticity aside, if it's ballpoint pen there will be some sort of indentation in the signature. If there is no impression made by the pen I'd lean towards preprint.

The photo looks to be a Jays Publishing photo which would have been late 50's/early 60's. I am not an expert on Robinson sigs, but my guess is that it is not a pre-print.

If you have a good scanner, you can usually scan in close enough to see whether there is actually any indication of live ink.

Brooks Robinson
 

I see what Richard is talking about concerning getting the item in a strong light. I can see the light reflecting off of the signature separately from the picture portion and it kinda pops out at you.

Jim and Mark: Why do you believe that this is not a Brooks signature?

I have never seen his "B" start with anything other than an upstroke. Same with the "R". Never open.

Brooks Robinson
 

You are correct, that is the typical way for Brooks to start both the "B" and the "R". Some of his early signatures he didn't do this and some of his later one's as well. I'll attach a relatively recent autograph where it's open.

I stand corrected. My first impression (after the open B) was that the rest, while consistent with Brooksie, looked too penmanship-class rigid.

The letter formation for almost all letters, looks just like the 1958 GPC - too many difficult formations that match up. I think it's real, regardless of the 'B' and 'R'.

Brooksie
 

I've attached another early auto of Brooks (not mine...I was outbid;shoot!!). The letters are the same w/the exception of the "B", but notice the "R".

I really started the thread to make sure it wasn't a copy of his autograph; I thought the early signature was a gimme.

Thanks!
 

I'm sorry; I forgot to thank all you guys for the responses. I truly appreciate all of the help. THANKS!

FWIW . . . that's not a Jay Publishing picture, more likely a team-issued photo.

Thanks for that Mark! I thought I had all I needed for him and you have added TWO variations that I wasn't aware of. :o:D

Bob,

That is correct. It is a team issued photo; slightly different size than the Jays. Also, on this one they spelled his middle name incorrectly (Colbert vs. Calbert). The team issued pin is spelled incorrectly as well, but the later years were changed when his middle name was included.

Brooks
 

Man! I keep loosing out when these autos come available. I don't need any more competition. ;). Oh, I think you were correct before; not a Brooksie autograph. :D

Brooksie
 

Scott,

Thanks so much for giving me your view on the Brooks signed piece.