Thoughts on this early Maris signature?
 

I purchased this card which is not currently authenticated. Just wanted to get some opinions on the authenticity of the signature. While I feel the signature has the characteristics of an authentic early Maris signature, I would like some opinions of others.

Note, the card is not yellow. Rather, the photographs have made the card appear yellow. The card, itself, is actually in great shape. Signature is in black ballpoint.

Thanks!

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...ield/Maris.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...eld/Maris1.jpg

It does look like some of the earlier style Maris signatures Ive seen, but Richard will give you a definite opinion, Id bet.

Scott,

Thanks for the heads up.

- Jon

It does look like an authentic early example, but could it be traced over? Look closely (particularly at the end of "Maris") and it appears that maybe a darker ink was traced over a more faint original scripting. It appears that the two don't perfectly align. Just a suspicion, given the photos provided.