Authentication Help, Please...Ted Williams and Johnny Bench
 

Another collector has offered these two signed 1970 Topps cards, Ted Williams and Johnny Bench. According to the collector, he got them signed in 1970.

I have reviewed many vintage signatures of each player as a means of comparison. I found some early Bench signatures that match up pretty well. I'm more skeptical of the Williams, but not confident in either.

I would appreciate any comments to help me assess whether these signatures are authentic. I really appreciate your help.

Attachment 355127

Attachment 355128

The pictures are too small and sigs either too light (Bench) or across a dark background (Williams) for most to render a reasonable opinion.

New Pictures
 

With the help of my daughter, I have expanded the area of the signature. Thanks for letting me know.

Attachment 355146

Attachment 355147

I hope the enlarged pictures give a better opportunity to assess the authentication. Any opinions are welcomed and appreciated.

Many thanks again.

Any comments are greatly appreciated.

The Williams seems awfully shakey unless it is a trace over

Thanks for your insight, Michael. I thought it seemed somewhat drawn. I hadn't considered a trace over.

Any thoughts about the Bench?

Any comments as to authenticity on either autograph are appreciated.

Williams actually looks like a stamp to me, which he used a lot.

Thanks for that insight, Jack. The early 1970s was the time period when I was actively pursuing signed cards at hotels and through the mail. I never wrote Ted Williams because I had heard he would stamp the cards or have someone sign for him. This is consistent with my recollection of his signing habits, when approached through the mail. Thanks again.

I'd love to get some insights regarding the Bench autograph.

It's a bit hard to see, but I do not like the formation of the letters on the Bench autograph. If you are on the fence, I would definitely hold off for a nicer example. Unless you are looking for that very card, there are a bunch of better examples out there that won't set you back too much.

Hope this helps!

Mark, that helps a lot. Thanks!!!