Autograph Authentication – Jack Nicklaus

Confidence Grade: D (Very Likely NOT Authentic)

Overview

The analyzed item is a signed NES video game cartridge for “Jack Nicklaus’ Greatest 18 Holes of Major Championship Golf.” The surface of the signature medium is plastic, and the ink appears bold and opaque black. The autograph in question is labeled as that of Jack Nicklaus, a high-profile sports figure, and exceptionally susceptible to forgery due to heavy collector demand and significant historical value.

Upon high-resolution simulated magnification and forensic analysis of the image, the signature demonstrates multiple markers of mechanical reproduction or facsimile printing. These characteristics strongly suggest a non-handwritten source.

Candidate Identity (Investigative)

• Top Candidate: Jack Nicklaus – Low Confidence
• Rationale: The signature bears superficial resemblance in structure but lacks stroke irregularities and velocity modulation indicative of freehand motion.
• No alternative identity confidently matches based on exemplar comparison.
• Conclusion: No reliable identity match; analysis proceeds under Unknown.

Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Ink Appearance: The ink is a deep, saturated black with no signs of pressure variation, feathering, or flow inconsistencies. The overall stroke characteristics lack any tapering at stroke initiation or exit points—a profile consistent with printed or autopen applications.

• Pressure Profile: Zero observable pressure variance. High-pressure strokes typically seen near angular changes or terminal loops in live-signature samples are missing.

• Substrate Interaction: The ink lies on top of the plastic cartridge shell and displays no interaction with the surface texture—no smudging, ink breakup, or seepage into micro-grooves. This points toward either a UV-cured direct-to-substrate print or a screened ink transfer, not a felt-tip pen typically used for authenticating memorabilia.

• Sheen and Reflection: The signature exhibits a mild but observable surface sheen under photographic light—indicative of laser-printed or thermographic ink, not porous, matte ink from a marker.

Individual Signature Analysis

• Stroke Uniformity: Distinct uniform line weight from entry to exit. No natural flourish or rhythm variation. The stroke pattern and density are unnaturally consistent—even at presumed overlaps—suggesting robotic implementation or static image overlay.

• Start/End Strokes: Stroke beginnings and ends are butt-ended and rounded—not feathered—as would be expected from marker drag during motion.

• Path Deviations: No micro-instabilities, hesitations, or natural tremors typical of freehand human signatures are present.

• Mechanical Evidence:

• No lifting artifacts or stroke-overlaps were found.

• Clean, unbroken, and highly stabilized curves.

Collective Signature Analysis

• Macro Pattern Observations:

• The signature lacks chaos and organic unpredictability.

• Signature orientation is cleanly aligned and perfectly placed with optimal space management.

• Absence of inscription (“To…”, date, or personalization) further simplifies the forgery.

• Placement Context:

• The positioning near the smooth area of the cartridge gives mechanical printing methods an ideal surface.

• No signs of smearing, retraction artifacts, or hesitation signatures common in live applications on uneven plastic surfaces.

Red Flags

1. Zero pressure variation – Strong indication of mechanical reproduction or facsimile.
2. Uniform stroke width and opacity – Inconsistent with natural human pressure responsiveness.
3. No evidence of marker bleed or pooled ink at stroke transitions – Strongly suggests non-felt-tip application.
4. Highly consistent curves and angles – No naturalistic inconsistencies.
5. Signature overall lacks spontaneity – Too perfect; lacks jitter, jerkiness, or flow slowdowns consistent with hand-executed penmanship.
6. High-value subject (Jack Nicklaus) with high forgery rate and active collectibles market.
7. Unclear provenance or authentication source provided with item.

Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

Due to the lack of validated authenticity, sales comparisons below reference only officially authenticated items or high-confidence market listings. This example appears to be a mass-replicated or stylized commemorative addition, not a hand-signed collectible.

• [eBay – PSA/DNA Certified Jack Nicklaus Signed Golf Ball]: $300–$500
• [Heritage Auctions – Jack Nicklaus Hand-Signed Photo, Authenticated]: ~$250
• [RRAuction – Signed Scorecard, Authenticated]: ~$400
• [Unsigned game cartridges]: Range $15 to $40 USD

⚠️ No certified or reputable sources list signed NES cartridges of this game. If authentic, such items would represent a rare medium and command premium—but require airtight provenance and third-party authentication.

Final Notes:

Given the strong indicators of mechanical application, absence of handwriting traits, and lack of provenance, this autograph cannot reasonably be accepted as authentic. It likely originated from a factory-level or aftermarket decorative process.

Confidence Grade: D (Very Likely NOT Authentic)

Submitted Image:

Don't have your FREE UVIZI account yet? Just click below to sign-up and start submitting all of your autographs FOR FREE!