After embarking on a highly-publicized case dubbed " Operation Bullpen," the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1997 revealed that up to half of the $1 billion autographed memorabilia market is likely counterfeit. Forging and dishonestly authenticating autographs from athletes, actors and even presidents is no laughing matter, and neither is spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on baseballs, jerseys and photographs. Here are a few tips on how to spot a fake autograph, and steps all consumers should take to ensure they are only dealing with authentic items.
Certificate of Authenticity
Leading sports autograph and signed merchandise brands such as Steiner Sports and Paul Fraser Collectibles will accompany all of their items with a certificate of authenticity. Certificates of authenticity will usually come in the form of a card stock paper slip or a reflective hologram. Regardless of which form the retailer chooses, a certificate of authenticity should be individually numbered, and the number should uniquely correspond to the autographed item.
In many cases, retailers use holograms to certify the authenticity of their items. The holograms should be directly affixed to the piece of memorabilia or a paper certificate, are usually tiny, often times smaller than an adult fingernail, and should be tamper-proof. Tamper-proof holograms on sports and movie memorabilia should either come apart or have the reflective surface crack when an individual attempts to remove them. Whether you're looking to buy or sell any piece of autographed memorabilia, from an autographed baseball to a signed movie script, having a valid certificate of authenticity is the first and most important step to ensure you are working with an authentic autographed item.
Spotting a Fake Autograph
Beyond certification, there are a handful of ways that professionals in the autograph industry determine whether or not a piece of signed merchandise is real or simply a forgery. Keep in mind that a large portion, if not the majority, of signed memorabilia on internet auction sites such as eBay and uBid are often times forged. Forgers use a variety of methods to produce fake autographs, including autopen.
Autopen is a machine that uses a mechanical arm to run ink across a surface, be it a photograph or basketball, that can duplicate a sports or movie star's signature. While it can nearly duplicate autographs, it has a giveaway telltale flaw. First, when a human's hand goes to sign anything, there is a trail of ink leading up to the actual signature, as we wind up to write. With an autopen, the mechanical arm drops onto the surface and begins to produce a signature. As it finishes duplicating the signatures, it lifts from the surface abruptly. Spotting an autopen signature is possible with the naked eye and easy with a magnifying glass. At the beginning and the end of the signature, the ink will be applied in an abrupt manner, meaning there will be dots evident at those points in the autograph.
Looking for a simple way to tell a real autograph from a fake? Turn it upside down. No, really. When comparing an authentic autograph to one in question, turn the two upside down and compare side by side. This allows your mind to stop reading the signature and spot visual differences along the writing.
Using a little common sense could save you a big headache. An average Michael Jordan autographed basketball from a reputable dealer sells in the neighborhood of around $1,500. That Jordan autographed ball listed on eBay for $250? That's probably a forgery. The Derek Jeter autographed Yankees jersey selling for $100? Also most likely a fake. Before purchasing any piece of baseball or basketball merchandise or any piece of signed memorabilia online, shop around. Not only will you get an idea for what an item typically costs, you might find a better deal.
All autographs are not created equal. For items that are purchased through a prominent memorabilia dealer or merchandise reseller, companies have the athlete come in to sign a predetermined total of merchandise including balls, photos, helmets, bats, hats, jerseys and even shoes. The autographs are produced in a controlled environment, and are often consistent. Sometimes autographs can vary in quality and consistency, yet still be authentic. Think of it like this: a ballplayer or celebrity's signature will vary if they sign one item sitting down at a table than they would if they're signing a baseball, football or basketball on the way in or out of a stadium or on the side of the court.
Last but not least, keep an eye out for merchandise that was stamped. One telltale sign of a stamped autograph is that a large majority of ink is pressed to the sides, top and bottom of the signature.
Before buying anything claiming to be autographed or signed online, be sure to do a thorough background check of the company's or seller's credentials. While there are thousands, if not millions of autograph dealers around the world, there are likely under 1,000 firms worldwide that facilitate autograph signings. Ask the seller, whether it's a large corporation or the neighborhood autograph dealer, to retrace the origination of the item. A reputable seller will be able to trace the item all the way back to the signing, including the date and the location.
Have a new or established collection? Read also tips for protecting sports memorabilia.
Sean J. O'Rourke - I'm Sean, a 25-year old marketing professional, photographer and sports and music journalist currently living in northeastern New Jersey. ...
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