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Printed, Facsimile and Hand-Signed Autographs: What’s the Difference?
Understand the differences between genuine hand-signed autographs, printed signatures, facsimiles, stamps, autopens and other forms of reproduced signatures.
Not everything that looks like a signature is a personally hand-signed autograph. Collectors may encounter printed signatures, pre-printed signatures, facsimiles, stamps, autopens and genuine handwritten autographs.
Understanding the difference can prevent expensive mistakes.
Hand-Signed Autographs
A hand-signed autograph is physically written onto the item by the person whose signature it represents. Because handwriting naturally varies, genuine hand-signed examples are unlikely to be completely identical.
Printed Signatures
A printed signature forms part of the printing process.
It may appear on:
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photographs
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posters
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album artwork
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promotional material
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letters
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books
The original signature may have been genuine, but each printed copy was not individually signed.
Pre-Printed Signatures
A pre-printed signature is normally included in the item before distribution. Fan club photographs and promotional items often contain pre-printed signatures. These items can still be collectible, but they should not be described as personally hand-signed.
Facsimile Signatures
A facsimile is a reproduction of a person's signature. It may be printed, stamped or reproduced by another method. Facsimile signatures have historically been used on correspondence, documents and promotional material.
Stamped Signatures
A rubber stamp or similar device may be used to apply a signature repeatedly. Stamped signatures can sometimes show identical shape and dimensions across multiple items.
Autopen Signatures
An autopen is different from a printed signature. A machine physically moves a pen through a programmed signature pattern.
This means real ink is applied to the item, which can make an autopen appear more convincing.
However, the person did not personally sign the item.
Why Online Photos Can Be Misleading
A printed or reproduced signature can sometimes look convincing in an online listing. Poor lighting or low image resolution can make it difficult to determine whether the signature sits on top of the surface or forms part of the print.
Compare Multiple Copies
If several examples of the same item are available, compare them. If the signature appears in exactly the same position and shape on every copy, reproduction is highly likely. Genuine hand-signed autographs normally contain natural variation.
Does Reproduction Mean an Item Is Worthless?
No. A vintage promotional photograph with a printed signature may still have collectible value. A historically important autopen letter may also be desirable. The important issue is accurate identification.
Authentication Is Not Always Just "Real or Fake"
Sometimes the most accurate conclusion is that a signature is:
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hand-signed
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printed
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facsimile
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stamped
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mechanically reproduced
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autopen
Correctly identifying the type of signature is an important part of autograph authentication.
Need an Autograph Assessed?
Autograph Alley provides online autograph authentication and pre-purchase opinion services to collectors worldwide.
Submit clear photographs of your signed item for assessment.