Joe Louis Autograph help...

[Oldtix]

Thanks to all who have been lending their expertise to the recent strings...I hope you'll help me on a puzzler.

I have an old library copy of "MY LIFE STORY" by Joe Louis. It has a signature on one of the front pages that I have never thought to be real; however, recently a copy of the same book sold on ebay with a similar...but not identical...signature.

The signature on the left is from the ebay listing; the one on the right is from my book. The pens used are similar. It appears both were signed by the same person, but there are distinct differences so it's not like the Connie Mack printed signatures in "MY 66 YEARS IN BASEBALL".

Are these authentic Joe Louis signatures?

[Kawika]

Here is a signature for comparison. Looks similar to me but that and a nickle would buy you a cup of coffee in 1966. I have a bona fide LOA lying around somewhere so I believe my autograph is good.

[Exhibitman]

They do not look good to me--too stilted--but if he was signing extra carefully because of the nature of the item and the circumstances that might account for it. I'd recommend having Spence take a look at it.

Nice pic, Dave. Any idea who the fighter was to whom it was inscribed?

[Kawika]

Couldn't have been me, Adam. Around the kyokushin dojo I am referred to as Mister Human Punching Bag.

[jbsports33]

you should be able to find other Lewis signatures to compare with these; in general his signature is usually never as clean so I would not be surprised if they are part of the book. I would see what the age of the book is and go from there as well, little research will help.

Jimmy

[drc]

I haven't heard of faux/pre-printed Louis signatures for that book, so that shouldn't be the issue. Yours clearly is not a stamp, as you can see overlapping of ink. I'm not aware that Louis used an autopen or such. It should just come down to if the signature is genuine.

[smokelessjoe]

Hi Rick,

I found this listing in the above referenced catalogue... Sounds like yours could be legit if it fits the description given ie: date, first edition, etc.

Hope this helps!

[smokelessjoe]

Rick,

I found one in a Heritage auction that sold for $239.00 on June 14, 2009. See pictures below! Hope it helps!

[Oldtix]

Beautiful. That's three from the same book with three distinct but similar signatures, so I'm declaring victory. Thanks to all of you for your expertise!

Rick

[jbsports33]

Consistency is what you what to see, so that is very good news

Jimmy

[drc]

Four. I had a hand signed copy from the estate of his trainer (Mannie Seamon).

[drc]

I should add that, while I'm no autograph expert and don't pretend to be one here, I had a bunch of genuine Louis signatures from the Seamon estate, and yours looks as if it could be good to me.

[danc]

That Louis is good!

DanC

[jeffects]

Hi,

I also have the same book with a tipped in signature that I bought from a reputable dealer. I believe them to be legit.

[Oldtix]

Well, we know they are real...and not too rare, apparently!

Thanks again, guys!

[drc]

There aren't a lot out there, you don't have to worry about that. This thread just shook the tree.