Autograph Authentication – Cassius Clay

Confidence Grade: C (Likely NOT Authentic)

Overview

The analysis was conducted on a single signature placed prominently on a grayscale/black-and-white photographic print. The signature in question appears to be written in gold ink with a pen that produces a moderately smooth ink flow suited for glossy or semigloss photo stock. While the flow and form exhibit characteristics often associated with hand-executed autographs, several mechanical reproduction markers conflict with genuine freehand signs, and there is no visible inscription or accompanying verifiable provenance, increasing likelihood of inauthenticity.

Candidate Identity (Investigative)
Based on internal visual feature matching and stroke-level analysis of the signature form, open-set identification suggested the following ranked candidates for possible autographer identity:

1. Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali — Medium Confidence

• Looped “C” and “l”-to-“a”-to-“y” transitions share stylized forms seen in known early Ali (Cassius Clay) examples, although overall rhythm is slow and lacks authentic velocity tapering.

1. No other candidates reached viable similarity thresholds.

Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Ink Type: Appears to be metallic gold ink (likely oil-based or metallic paint marker). The ink reflects light under inspection, suggesting writing over a photographic print surface.
• Absorption Characteristics: The ink sits predominantly on the surface of the substrate, as expected on a coated photographic paper. No significant bleeding into fibers noted.
• Stroke Clarity: Strokes are visually well-defined but somewhat uniform in width, lacking natural pen pressure variation found in fluid hand-signing.
• Surface Interaction: Minor disruptions in stroke consistency suggest either a smooth pen tip dragging across a glossy surface or a controlled mechanical writing process (suspect autopen or traced stylus).

Individual Signature Analysis

• Signature Text: Appears to spell “Cass Cl––” or a stylized abbreviation of “Cassius Clay”; the final character resembles a connected “l-y” ligature.
• Letter Formation:
• The “C” and initial “a” feature rounded, looped structures that closely mimic the entrance strokes found in genuine early-career Cassius Clay autographs.
• Mid-segment letters (“ass”) lack varied stroke velocity. No elevation or heavier downstroke pressure is present.
• Final “C” (possibly “l”) has an unusual form with an unnatural arc.
• Pen Pressure and Flow:
• Consistency in stroke width across entire signature, with minimal tapering at both start and endpoints—suggestive of mechanical or traced origin.
• Lack of micro-tremor variation common in fluid hand-controls.
• Speed & Rhythm:
• Appears executed with deliberate rhythm (too slowly compared to natural autograph flow), further raising suspicion of autopen or manual tracing.

Collective Signature Analysis

• This is a single autograph placed on a photographic item. No personal inscriptions or co-signers are present to provide additional comparison points for natural variation or freehand deviations.
• The visual harmony between stroke uniformity and disconnected breakpoints suggests a planned execution, not one done under typical signing conditions.

Red Flags

• Possible Autopen Traits:
• Uniform stroke width without natural line weight variation
• No visible tapering at stroke exits (a key sign of machine execution)
• Slight “jitter” or unstable curve at small angular changes—indicative of mechanical plotting
• Ink Type Inconsistency:
• Metallic pens are less commonly used in genuine autographs outside of limited edition runs or promoted signings. Lack of provenance here diminishes this value.
• Absence of Inscription:
• No personal inscription such as “To…” or any date context, making it easier for forgers to replicate publicly known non-specific exemplars.
• Suspicious Placement & Pristine Execution:
• Signature sits cleanly across a high-gloss segment of the image with ideal spacing, often found in staged or post-print signatures, not candid or in-person signing.

Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

Because of medium confidence in identity and observed irregularities under forensic scrutiny, only contextually related comparables are included.

• [QUALIFIED] Cassius Clay Signed Photos (Hand-Signed, Non-Inscribed):
• $1,200 – $3,500 USD (depending on period, size, ink choice, inscription)
• Source: Heritage Auctions, RR Auction
• Autopen or Replica Muhammad Ali Signatures (Gold Ink, Non-Personalized):
• $50 – $150 USD (mass-produced items)
• Commonly found on online marketplaces
• Photo Print Signed Reproductions (Silkscreen or Factory Print on Photo Paper):
• $15 – $75 USD (decor memorabilia, framed or matte)

Final Assessment

The signature’s form bears a moderate resemblance to known examples of Cassius Clay’s autograph, especially from early career samples. However, significant indicators—particularly the lack of pressure variation, highly uniform strokes, unusual ink behavior, and lack of personal inscription—raise high suspicion of an autopen or traced reproduction.

Confidence Grade: C (Likely NOT Authentic)

Authenticity cannot be certified due to multiple forensic red flags and insufficient support features. Further provenance or match to verified archived exemplars would be required to raise confidence level.

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!