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Authentication
At Signed by the Stars we are rigorous in how we authenticate our memorabilia items so you can buy from our collection in confidence. This page is dedicated to showing you how we authenticate all signatures through our four step process and we advise this to be followed by any collector wanting to buy genuine signatures...​​
1) Initial checks - the below are simple questions we run through to assess the overall look & feel of the item. This is the starting point...
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Does the paper, photo and pen ink look consistent with the time period the subject is from?
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Does the cost of the item appear in line with the market value? Be wary if a price is too good to be true.
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2) Check for live ink - the presence of live ink proves the signature has not been printed or stamped. Here's what to look for to determine if the ink is live...
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Biro pens often leave an indent in the paper that you can feel to the touch.
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Felt Tip pens and Sharpies show overlaps and cross overs. As shown below with the Beckham and Janet Jackson examples.
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​​​Ball point pens can also leave a faint indent and can show slight overlaps and cross overs.
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Invest in a magnify class and digital microscope so you can assess the signature in detail. The above close up images were taken with the below digital microscope...​​​
3) Research - look online and research into the signatures you are interested in.
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Review approved signatures of the person of interest. Utilise databases of approved examples from Becketts and JSA.
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Know what an autopen and secretarial signature of the subject looks like. Below are examples of Muhammad Ali and JFK autopen signatures.
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Like your own signature, they can vary over time so review how the subjects signature may have changed over the years.
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4) Flow and style - all signatures have areas of uniqueness and style you should become familiar with.
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Does the signature look consistent with the approved examples? Look at the angle of the writing, the size of the lettering and any unique aspects of the signature.
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Are there pauses or signs of hesitation in the signature? This is a clear sign of a forgery.
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With these steps taken into account you will reduce the risk of buying forged signatures. We hope this page has helped provide some useful information into our authentication process here at Signed by the Stars. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.
