W600 Signed Cy Young - Now Authentic?

[T206Collector]

....a willingness to pay a premium for something based on someone else's opinion. Take the Cy Young, if there was a video of him signing the card 70 years ago, it would be worth more than anyone's LOA would make it worth. But even there, you would have questions about the authenticity of the video. In the end, if you receive an autograph in person, it is the only way to know it was 100% signed by that person.

People who collect autographs of dead people understand that there is always a leap of faith. They factor that leap into their purchasing decisions. With JSA, it is a slightly shorter leap because people collect JSA certified items and so there is currently a resale market for JSA items. Ditto PSA/DNA.

E.g., I might pay $500 for a JSA certified autographed T206 card that I'd pay $1,000 for if Jeff Morey obtained the signature in person 40 years ago and then sold it to me. It is all about comfort level for each item. And it is similar to collecting high grade pre-war cards while hoping the card had never been trimmed or soaked out of a scrap book.

Finally, all authenticators make mistakes, but I've seen in person and read enough cool stories about what Spence can do well to have a reasonable amount of faith in his opinion.

[T206Collector]

I would also add that Leon has an awesome Hal Chase card that has been signed by Chief Meyers, using only his initials "JTM". It is a fantastic card and everyone that has looked at it that knows Chief's signature agrees it was done in his hand. But I have seen several different style Meyers autographs -- sometimes he signed in script, sometimes not, sometimes he called himself John, sometimes "Chief", sometimes he included his middle initial "T" and sometimes he wrote Chief as his middle name, sometimes with and sometimes without quotes. The man lived a long time and had several different writing styles over the years. Not at all surprising.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

I would also add that Leon has an awesome Hal Chase card that has been signed by Chief Meyers, using only his initials "JTM". It is a fantastic card and everyone that has looked at it that knows Chief's signature agrees it was done in his hand. But I have seen several different style Meyers autographs -- sometimes he signed in script, sometimes not, sometimes he called himself John, sometimes "Chief", sometimes he included his middle initial "T" and sometimes he wrote Chief as his middle name, sometimes with and sometimes without quotes. The man lived a long time and had several different writing styles over the years. Not at all surprising.

I bought this on ebay, many years ago for only $125, because it had writing on the front. Neither the seller, nor I for at least 7-8 yrs, knew what the writing was. I had posted the card on this board referring to the M110 series and that is when it was discovered!! I had previously tried to erase the writing but fortunately it was done with one of those darned pens that won't erase. The glare is from the scan and holder. I really started liking this card after more thought about it, and the fact the ole Chief signed a bit of a personal thought....best regards

[packs]

Even in those extreme examples the C and H in Chief both printed and script are very similar and comparable.

[yanksfan09]

Leon: That Chase card is amazing. Great story with it!

[Leon]

BTW, another tidbit I use to determine authenticity, though very unscientific, is the way something is being sold. On this M110, sold by a board member to me on ebay, if I recall correctly, it was NOT touted as a Chief Meyers signature. It was just said to have writing on it. I didn't know it was a Meyers auto for several years, therefore there was no financial motive on the front end sale. To me it gives a bit more comfort that it might be real, and of course the JSA authentication after the fact helps too. Here is a W515-1 with an overprint/stamp (one for ya' Rob) and I got it not too long ago, and again the stamp on back was barely mentioned. The card went for under $70.....so, no financial motive on it, means it's more likely to be good, at least to me. Just some random thoughts....

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by Leon

Here is a W515-1 with an overprint/stamp ... The card went for under $70.....so, no financial motive on it, means it's more likely to be good, at least to me. Just some random thoughts....

I'm confused. I thought all overprints on the backs of cards are good.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

I'm confused.

nuff said

[scooter729]

I am actually in the midst of reading a great Cy Young biography, “Cy Young, A Pitcher’s Life,” by Reed Browning. I just read an interesting section which relates somewhat to the W600 signature (quoting from page 100 of the book):
===
Like many private persons, Cy Young was a quiet man. This trait was famously evident in his aversion to interviews. Billy Hamilton asserted unequivocally that Young won’t be interviewed, and the blunt claim was virtually true. It was also evident in his reluctance to talk about himself. That’s why, from a baseball writer’s point of view, Cy Young was not good copy. That’s also why, when he traveled, he signed hotel registers as D.T. Young. (Sporting News, 2/10/1912) He preferred anonymity.
===
So at least it appears the D.T. Young was a period signature of the time for him.