Another Mantle Question...
 

Curious the board's thoughts on this. I took a flyer (an inexpensive one). Any opinions?

I'm surprised no one wants to answer. At first glance it appears that it has similarities to what I look for in an authentic Mantle and it may in fact be, but to me it looks too labored. The flow is not there and I would not buy it. I guess we always say no according to some, but I would have passed on this one. Jason

Thx Jason. Yes - there were some aspects I liked about it, so hiven the price, I thought it was worth the chance.

I'd like to see the entire piece, but I personally would not buy it. Too many red flags for me.

First, I'd like to know why he stacked his name across his face?...only a moron would do that, not Mantle....unless he was trying to squeeze his signature with a FAT sharpie? It looks like hell, IMHO and the flick up from the "M" to the "a" doesn't look cartoonish in it's attempt, but just not done quickly, like a usual flick in his upward motion. The open a, while not totally remarkable, but the fact THAT IT'S LEFT THAT WIDE OPEN, with a gigantic sharpie doesn't sit well with me. I don't like the "ic". especially the short c. It has a special curve to it when it's that short, even when it's a minuscule signature with a big fat sharpie...90% of the time the top of the k will even up with the tail of the y. This one is short. It gets about a 1 of 10 on my FUDD 10 point must system.

This photo is a clear "PASS" IMHO. and that's pass like pass-up, do not buy. most probably and most likely, FAKE.

As requested, here's the full scan:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...psacolxpdo.jpg

I agree with Chuck that I don't think Mantle would have signed like that. Also, the signature shows a lot of shakiness. I thought it might be more visible in the close up, but it is readily apparent in the full photo. Sorry for the bad news.

No good

Thanks Jon,

Now I'm more than covinced it is a forgery, IMHO.:eek:

Thanks guys. Oh well! I knew it was a shot.