Author
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Topic: Authenticity of a Neil Armstrong-signed photo
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LadyAndino45 New Member Posts: From: Registered:
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posted 05-17-2012 09:35 PM
My husband received a picture with Neil Armstrong's signature. It was a gift from his father in law at the time. Considering the source, my husband has believed it is genuine. The back of the picture is sealed and he has no papers saying its real. I've had one guy who is a space authenticator for RR Auctions say he feels pretty sure that its real. But due to the type of pen that was used, it would be hard to know for sure. We are considering selling the piece but it might be hard to find a buyer without proof. |
MrSpace86 Member Posts: 1618 From: Gardner, KS, USA Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 05-17-2012 11:16 PM
There isn't really any proof to any autograph really. Best thing you could do is post a photo and we could all give an opinion as to what we think. My advice to you: Don't expect to receive insane amounts of money for any item. RR may tell you it's worth $3k while others might tell you it isn't even worth $1k (assuming it's a 'real' signature of course). There are several factors to consider. |
LadyAndino45 New Member Posts: From: Registered:
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posted 05-18-2012 08:34 AM
 
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Steve Zarelli Member Posts: 731 From: Upstate New York, USA Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 05-18-2012 09:52 AM
I would not typically share a conversation with someone who asked my opinion, but because the original poster paraphrased my response publicly, I would like to clarify.In my exchanges with her, she indicated it was received by her husband as a gift in the early 80s. I indicated that it was my opinion the "shape" of the autograph was consistant with authentic, but given it was signed very slowly, I could not say with certainty either way. The slowness could be the result of Armstrong struggling with an old school paint pen, or something more malicious... I just don't know. If this item did originate from the early 80s, I think the likelyhood of a forgery is somewhat lower. But, in my view, without irrefutable provenance, an authenticator must analyze the signature alone. And the signature alone demonstrates a lack of speed and flow. |
capoetc Member Posts: 2169 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 05-18-2012 03:59 PM
I have seen similar autographs before, and the result of the shaky appearance was due to an original autograph was then later traced over with a paint pen to make the signature more legible ... unfortunately thus eliminating most of the value.I cannot say one way or the other whether that is what happened in this case. |
Tykeanaut Member Posts: 2212 From: Worcestershire, England, UK. Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 05-18-2012 04:33 PM
Very shakey, makes me wonder? |
MrSpace86 Member Posts: 1618 From: Gardner, KS, USA Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 05-18-2012 05:04 PM
You rarely see items that are signed in some sort paint pen by Armstrong to begin with. |
LadyAndino45 New Member Posts: From: Registered:
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posted 05-18-2012 06:53 PM
I would like to take this time to say that I appreciate everyone's input. We're currently in the process of moving so we're trying to minimize our stuff. My husband does like the nice photograph of the Earth to go with his space collection. And no one that has ever come to visit has even noticed the signature anyway so if we keep it, its no biggie. I am an honest person and would feel guilty if I sold something that wasn't authentic. Thanks again! |
bwhite1976 Member Posts: 281 From: Belleville, IL Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 05-18-2012 07:05 PM
I am no expert, but when you say slow signature that is a understatment. It looks like it took someone about 5 minutes to make that signature. Several start and stop points. |