Autograph Authentication Advice / Forensic Analysis

[wk2]

Hi all,

So around a year ago I bought at a small estate auction a very old autographed cricket ball. The ball is dated 1865, inscribed with the name of two cricket clubs, and signed by a very famous player. Based on who the player is, I am 99.999% certain that this item is a fake. Also anytime I ask an expert (via email or in person) they immediately think it is fake. However, I sent pictures of the ball to a few cricket experts and they said that the stitching / cover matches other balls from that period (1860s).

Can anyone recommend an expert that could test the ink on the ball? What other experts could I have look at this item?

I believe that if the ink matches the time period that it would have to be real. I spent next to nothing on it (it cost me more to have JSA look at it then the actual price) and if the ball and the ink match that time period, why would anyone spend the time and resources to produce a counterfeit and then basically give it away?

Thanks for your help!