Is my autograph real?

There is no single visual shortcut that proves a signature is authentic. Collectors look at several independent clues together.

Common warning signs

• Weak provenance: the item has no credible story, receipt, witness, or chain of ownership.
• Mechanical appearance: the signature looks unusually slow, shaky, traced, or repeated.
• Context mismatch: the item, ink, date, or signing event does not fit the supposed signer.
• One perfect match: it matches a single online example too closely while other trusted examples vary.
• Pressure to buy quickly: a seller discourages independent review or uses a certificate as the only evidence.

What a photo can tell you

A clear photo can help you spot inconsistencies and decide what to investigate next. It cannot reveal every material, ultraviolet, or provenance detail, and it cannot replace an expert examination for an expensive item.

Use a layered check

Start with the photo, then verify the item’s story, compare several reliable exemplars, check the reputation of any certificate issuer, and seek professional authentication when the financial stakes justify it.