Autographs you can't authenticate

[Runscott]

The recent Ali post got me thinking - what are the autographs that have real examples that simply can't be authenticated without provenance? (doesn't mean that some real examples can't be)

Two I can think of are Mel Ott and Ali.

[isaac2004]

I would think some newer players who just leave a squiggle would be hard to authenticate without witnessing.

[HOFAUTOS]

Most celebrity autographs I have seen are some type of squiggle or weird lines. Not sure how anyone can authenticate those, but we see them selling all the time. I don't know why anyone would even purchase a squiggly line.

[Runscott]

Yeah, I don't really get why people want such things - or why the players have such little pride in their own signature. When I look at the autographs I got as a kid, there's no comparison. The players almost always took their time and signed legibly - probably because as children they were taught to.

Every now and then I look at newer team-signed balls. Disgusting stuff.

[jgmp123]

One autograph in particular that I have found difficult, unless being purchased from a reputable individual is Kenesaw Mountain Landis...
just a couple examples....

[Runscott]

Want to really have some fun? Go to PSA/DNA's authentication site and do a few searches 'by name'. They will authenticate a Matty McIntyre for only $100.

Anyone ever seen Matty McIntyre's autograph?

[jgmp123]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Want to really have some fun? Go to PSA/DNA's authentication site and do a few searches 'by name'. They will authenticate a Matty McIntyre for only $100.

Anyone ever seen Matty McIntyre's autograph?

Pretty sure I have NEVER seen a Matty McIntyre autograph....Does PSA even have one?????

[ss]

This is from a 1909 Tigers teamed signed sheet.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by ss

This is from a 1909 Tigers teamed signed sheet.

Steve - thanks for providing that.

Here's a comparison to my supposedly-Matty inscribed photo:

[drc]

My doctor wrote me a prescription, has the worst handwriting (the stereotype is true) and I couldn't read what he wrote. The pharmacist at Rite Aid knew what it said right away. PSA should hire her.

[Exhibitman]

Daniel [James Bond] Craig's signature is a scrawled "DC" that looks terrible and easily forged.

Ali's signature has morphed so much due to his illness that it presents real challenges. Although I prefer mfg. certified autographed cards I can't stand the recent Ali sigs and haven't added one to my collection.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Daniel [James Bond] Craig's signature is a scrawled "DC" that looks terrible and easily forged.

Ali's signature has morphed so much due to his illness that it presents real challenges. Although I prefer mfg. certified autographed cards I can't stand the recent Ali sigs and haven't added one to my collection.

Frankly I don't now how many modern entertainment autographs can be authenticated with any level of certainty. It certainty doesn't take a master forger to quickly scrawl off a line with a loop in it.

I suppose it all comes down to provenance and buying from a guy you trust. Which is great until you decide you may want to sell it down the road then your buyer has to make a leap of faith to trust the guy that you trust, etc., etc.