BS: Authentic Autographs

Subject: BS: Authentic Autographs
From: Jimmy C
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 08:19 PM

I bought some second-hand books a while back. One of them is "an in Black" by Johnny Cash.


On the inside pages is the follwoing handwritten mesage.


Best Regards to Morgan


Love Ya , baby


Johnny Cash.


The signature bears a striking resemblence to the embossed gilt one on the front of the book. except for the "J".


The "C" and the "H" in Cash is almost identical etc.

How can I find out if this is an autentic authograph or if it is fake ?.

Subject: RE: BS: Authentic Autographs
From: Beer
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 08:27 PM

Not here to tell you how, but to wish you the best of luck.
Beer

Subject: RE: BS: Authentic Autographs
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 08:38 PM

Looking through some listings, if the book is in fine condition with fine dust jacket, no marks except the inscription, I found one listed for $350.
Your best bet for checking authenticity is a reputable book dealer who handles first editions.

Subject: RE: BS: Authentic Autographs
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 08:48 PM

It sounds like it's an autographed copy to a particular person. This could have been done as a presentation copy or by Cash at a signing at a bookstore. In either case, it seems to be authentic. To be certain take it to a specialist in autographs.

Subject: RE: BS: Authentic Autographs
From: Jimmy C
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 08:53 PM

The book is in very good condition, looks like it has been read once or twice and with the exception of a small smear on the edge of the pages it is saleable. (not that I would sell it) - at least not yet.

Thanks all.

Subject: RE: BS: Authentic Autographs
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 08:54 PM

Is the signature in ink or felt tip? If in ink, is there a slight rise on the other side of the page from the pressure of the ballpoint pen used to write? If in felt tip, can you tell that it's not machine produced?

Subject: RE: BS: Authentic Autographs
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 09:51 PM

That the embossed signature on the book's jacket and an autograph given at a book signing are not exact matches is not unexpected. Most people's signatures get sloppy and variable when they sign their names hundreds of times in a short period of time. Yet there are certain characteristics that remain consistent that an expert would recognize.

Do a Google search for "autograph authentication" and see if there's someone nearby you could take it to.

Subject: RE: BS: Authentic Autographs
From: Jimmy C
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 11:05 PM

Rapaire,

It is in ink, but the page is a heavier paper that the inside pages and there is no sign of pressure on the other side. It is definitely hand written and does have some characteristics to the embossed one on the cover.

Bee- Dubya- ell - will do.

Subject: RE: BS: Authentic Autographs
From: Peace
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 12:46 AM

Look here.

"Great vintage signatures, 1987 of Johnny Cash and wife June Carter. Acquired in-person January 17, 1987 at the Ramada Inn in Ft Myers, FL. Came from a major autograph collector in FL. Johnny has signed TWICE on two different hotel receipts.   June and Johnny both signed on a hotel receipt for breakfast."

Subject: RE: BS: Authentic Autographs
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 01:14 AM

I was doing just the same thing today before I bought a book over E-Bay. It was the chronicles by Bob Dylan. Supposedly signed. I battled over this one to be an authentic but I thought it couldn't be because I don't think Bob did many book signings and I searched for other autographs and they didn't measure up for me, to make this one look authentic. I suppose for the price it was at (85.00 US) it may have been a good price, but I was doubtfull. Hope I don't kick myself in the ass someday finding out it was the real thing.