Verification for Nate robinson | Item # 1399
Autograph Authentication – Nate Robinson
Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)
Overview
The signature attributed to Nate Robinson, featured on a glossy photo of him playing for the New York Knicks, underwent a detailed forensic analysis. Overall, the autograph does not show strong indicators of being printed, autopen-generated, or mass-replicated. It demonstrates slight pressure variation and ink characteristics consistent with a hand-signed application using a felt-tip pen.
Candidate Identity (Investigative)
- Nate Robinson – High Confidence
The autograph aligns with known authentic exemplars of Nate Robinson: a stylized “N” followed by a distinct “R” motif, typically stretched vertically along diagonal strokes. The signature placement (on leg area) and ink choice are also consistent with authenticated examples from basketball memorabilia conventions and signing events.
Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation
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Ink Type & Behavior:
The ink appears to be a blue felt-tip permanent marker, likely a Sharpie or similar. Under close inspection: -
Moderate pressure variation is seen at the start and end of some strokes.
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Feathering and bleeding are not present, consistent with signing on a glossy photograph substrate.
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No signs of toner granules, dot matrix, or digital pixelation associated with printing processes.
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There is light reflection on the ink, indicating surface application rather than embedded print.
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Substrate Interaction:
The gloss photo paper does not show any absorption (as expected). Ink adheres on top with minor gloss differential, typical for hand-signed photos.
Individual Signature Analysis
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Stroke Dynamics and Pen Pressure:
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Slight start-stop hesitation is observed, consistent with normal pen pressure variation in a human hand.
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Line width varies minutely—suggesting freehand execution rather than an autopen or print process.
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The terminal ends of the lines have slight tapering/pooling, which would typically not occur with an autopen.
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Baseline and Rhythm:
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The letters “N” and “R” are prominent, with a unique slant and rhythm consistent with known exemplars.
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Fluent connecting strokes and slight angularity are observed.
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Exit/Entry Patterns:
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No detectable signs of mechanical entry/exit micro-wobbles.
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Fluid motion observed at transition points supports human generation.
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No Evidence of Pixel-to-Pixel Repeatability:
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A detailed visual overlay method failed to identify any template matches or Ctrl+C Ctrl+V behavior that would indicate mechanical/autopen replication.
Collective Signature Analysis
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Ink Behavior Across the Image:
Signatures show consistency with a human signer using a single pen, on a clean substrate. No overlap errors, erroneous double strokes, or mechanical offsetting is present. -
Placement and Intent:
The autograph is placed strategically over the shorts portion, where contrast and visibility are highest—matching best practices for sports photography autographing. -
Inscriptions:
There are no personal inscriptions or dates to further analyze.
Red Flags
- No indicators of autopen use, such as consistent line weight or mechanical tremors.
- No signs of inkjet or laser printing, such as micro-dotting, toner adherence, or bleed patterns.
- No wear or smudging that would indicate photocopy elements.
- No pixel template replication across similar examples available in auction and sports memorabilia databases.
Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales
Recent market comparisons show:
- Nate Robinson signed 8×10 Knicks photos (authenticated):
- eBay (PSA/DNA Certified): $35–$60
- SportsMemorabilia.com (Fanatics authenticated): $45+
- Pristine Auction (authenticated): recent sales in the $30–$55 range
- Unsigned versions of this photo sell for <$5, supporting value add by signature.
Comparable photos with similar angles and uniformity are commonly authenticated with the exact angle and pose, suggesting this image may often be used in signing sessions.
Final Notes
- The signature appears consistent with authenticated Nate Robinson exemplars and shows physical traits typical of hand-signed items.
- No forensic evidence supports a forgery, autopen, or reproduction classification.
- The ink–substrate interaction and signature stroke behavior point toward a legitimate hand-done autograph.
Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)
Further authentication could solidify to Grade A with confirmed provenance or cert-chain documentation.
Submitted Image:
