Posts: 1270
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted March 12, 2008 04:48 PM               

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Hello, I recently bought a crew signed STS-73 pic. It has an inscription and is not autopen. What surprises me is that the picture looks like it has been printed (much like a preprint). The signatures do not 'reflect' back when held to the light, but neither does the inscription. I know this piece has been displayed in the sunlight so I was wondering if sun can do that kind of damage to the ink. I have an Apollo 16 crew signed photo that has a similar effect but this STS pic is weird. Please let me know, thanks!!

-Rodrigo

Posts: 3391
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005

posted March 12, 2008 06:14 PM               

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I suspect it depends on the type of ink and the way it reacts to light exposure over time. I did some fade testing with sharpie inks a couple of years ago and noticed the faded ink lost a lot of its "sheen." In some cases, the sheen was gone before the ink showed much overall fading.

Considering the wide variety of brands of inks that have been sold over the years, I imagine some inks respond to light like you have observed with these pieces. It's also possible the ink never had much of a sheen to begin with.

Posts: 1270
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted March 12, 2008 06:21 PM               

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Thank you for your reply. One final question: Has NASA been known to give out preprinted signatures? This is an official NASA 8x10 and I have not heard of NASA handing out preprints, just autopens. I will post pics when I actually scan the item. I took pictures but it is too hard to tell! Thank you.

-Rodrigo

Posts: 35
From: Oklahoma
Registered: Nov 2005

posted March 15, 2008 12:07 AM            

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People can and do make their own prints of signed photos in their collection and then sell these prints on ebay. So just because something is inscribed doesn't always mean that it isn't a pre-print.

I'm not saying that is the case with your item, I'm just throwing out that info for anyone who wants it.

Posts: 1270
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted March 15, 2008 12:50 AM               

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Duke, yes, this print is an official NASA print though. On the back, it has the bios of the crew and such.

I don't feel comfortable with it so I will most likely end up selling it.

-Rodrigo