help with this louisville slugger sign?

[okdoak]

Can anyone tell me if this is a repro or (hopefully) the real thing? It's 10 1/2 by 15 1/2 inches on thick cardboard stock. I see that there was one in the Sotheby's Halper auction (p. 285). Mine doesn't have an easel back. Most of my collecting involves old gloves and Milwaukee Braves stuff, so I'm way out of my element with this sign. I found it at a local antique mall for under $30 and thought I'd take a chance on it anyway. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Greg

[BrockJacob]

If its real then its a GREAT find. The size is right. I've never seen this sign in this size reprinted. Their is a bigger version on poster type paper that you see pretty regularly. Exhibit A- http://cgi.ebay.com/LOUISVILLE-SLUGG...lenotsupported

Several items from the Halper catalog have been reproduced, so being that this sign was in the catalog throws up a red flag. Its just too tough to tell from the photos. Look closely at the image in the catalog. Look for any consistencys of damaged areas. Take a look at the bottom of the T in "The" and the secong g in "Sluggers" and under the A in "ask". It appears that there may be some small damaged spots in both yours and the image from the Halper catalog.

[okdoak]

Thanks for the advice, Brock. I went over the picture of the Halper sign with a magnifying glass and yes, it looks like I was had. There are more than a few areas of small defects that match exactly to my sign. Oddly, mine is missing the line of print that's on the bottom right border of the genuine one. Guess I just can't grasp the mindset of the forger and his "craft". I mean he must have printed or bought a copy of the image, glued it to cardboard stock, stained it, etc. just to sell it for less than $30!? Why even bother for that price? Oh well, I guess I'll stick to what I know. Thanks again!
Greg