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  161387638609: Shepard autograph (secretarial)

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Author Topic:   161387638609: Shepard autograph (secretarial)
calcheyup
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Posts: 125
From:
Registered: May 2014

posted 08-17-2014 02:15 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for calcheyup     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I was perusing eBay for Scott Carpenter autographs today when I came across this.

Despite the listing's description, in no way is this Shepard "guaranteed authentic." This one, aside from just looking plain wrong on the whole, exhibits individually pretty much every one of the indications of a secretarial, including one I haven't seen mentioned before, the tail on the "n" in "Alan." I'm far from an expert, but I'm not sure if I've ever seen a Shepard signature where the end of the "n" flowed like that. In fact, just about every letter in this one looks suspicious or plain wrong... the way the "S" is formed, the pronounced round hump on the "h" instead of Shepard's more typically angular one, of course the "p", the straight "r", and the "d", which is too "fat" and looks much different than even Shepard's own looped d's. Spaced out too far and a little too upright as well in my opinion.

Just thought I'd share for the benefit of those looking for examples of a secretarial... I know the question has been put forth before.

bobslittlebro
Member

Posts: 179
From: Douglasville, Ga U.S.A.
Registered: Nov 2009

posted 08-17-2014 04:28 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for bobslittlebro   Click Here to Email bobslittlebro     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Looking at this seller's listing, I would say he is guaranteeing the Scott Carpenter autograph is genuine not the Alan Shepard.

I have to agree the Shepard autograph is a classic secretarial signature. The sure giveaway is the "spiked" p. The line that goes up on the p clearly shows it. Astroautopens.com clearly shows examples.

fredtrav
Member

Posts: 1673
From: Birmingham AL
Registered: Aug 2010

posted 08-17-2014 10:24 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for fredtrav   Click Here to Email fredtrav     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I agree, the seller does not claim the Shepard as authentic. In fact, he does not mention the Shepard at all. He does state the Carpenter is authentic.

calcheyup
Member

Posts: 125
From:
Registered: May 2014

posted 08-17-2014 11:39 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for calcheyup     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
You are right; however, I think it's disingenuous to not mention the Shepard is a secretarial in the listing, as the fact that it is "signed" by two Mercury astronauts would undoubtedly attract some casual buyers.

Be that as it may, this thread is not meant as a reflection on the seller's integrity or an expose of any kind. Rather, it's just to provide those unfamiliar with an example of classic Shepard secretarial traits.

bobslittlebro
Member

Posts: 179
From: Douglasville, Ga U.S.A.
Registered: Nov 2009

posted 08-17-2014 11:53 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for bobslittlebro   Click Here to Email bobslittlebro     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This seller has changed their listing over time. This particular signed cover has been on eBay for quite a while. At one time they claimed not knowing for sure if the Shepard was genuine.

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