Autograph Authentication – Jack Kemp, Others

Confidence Grade: A (Most Likely Authentic)

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Overview

The submitted image displays three autographs on a 1979 congressional-published page, associated with New York Representatives Henry J. Nowak, Jack Kemp, and Stanley N. Lundine. A large dedicatory note and signature appear prominently beneath Jack Kemp’s section:

“To Ronny – Best wishes from Jack Kemp.”

Two additional signatures appear adjacent to their respective profile pictures: Henry J. Nowak and Stanley N. Lundine.

The ink properties, dynamic handwriting characteristics, and substrate interactions of all three signatures indicate genuine, freehand, pen-on-paper inscriptions. No evidence of autopen, print-based reproduction, or photocopy artifacts were detected.

Candidate Identity (Investigative)

• Jack Kemp – High Confidence: Signature characteristics (particularly capital “J” loop formation, joined “ac” linking, elongated “K” stem with flourish) are consistent with confirmed exemplars from the late 1970s. The inscription style mirrors those seen in personal dedications authored by Kemp in that era.
• Henry J. Nowak – Medium Confidence: More ambiguous due to scrawled format, but vertical slant and “H J Nowak” stroke pattern align moderately with known examples.
• Stanley N. Lundine – Medium Confidence: Consistent with lowercase looped terminal stroke in “e,” long upstroke “S,” and verticality seen in other Lundine samples from the 1970s.

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Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Medium/Substrate: Matte-finish offset printed page (typical government-stock congress directory style from the 1970s), relatively non-glossy, with minor paper tooth visible at the micro-level.

• Jack Kemp Inscription (Lower Page):

• Ink Type: Ballpoint ink confirmed — visible roller artifacts, mild line skipping under downstroke pressure, and characteristic minor ink pooling at endpoint terminals.

• Pressure Effects: Tapered upstrokes and pressure-varying downstrokes indicate live pressure response. No signs of uniform stroke width.

• Ink Absorption: Smooth absorption, consistent with non-coated paper, no ink pooling, feathering, or glossy texture visible, ruling out factory or laser reproduction.

• Upper Corner Signatures (Nowak and Lundine):

• Ink shows slightly different tone (likely different pens), also indicative of ballpoint or rollerball pens due to fine roller lines, slight edge variation, and compression marks on the paper.

There is no evidence of mechanical printing processes (autopen, laser, inkjet, or photocopy). All signatures exhibit clear, spontaneous ink movement and depth of pressure.

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Individual Signature Analysis

Jack Kemp

• Signature Placement: Below printed photo, large size signature, positioned as a personal dedication.
• Letter Structure Observations:
• Elevated flourish and confident loop of “J” in “Jack.”
• Transitional flow between “ac” and rounded “K” beginning with long stroke extension, commonly seen in known authentic Kemp autographs.
• Inscription shows natural slant variability, personalized rhythm, and mid-stroke corrections — classic signs of live inscription.
• Conclusion: High confidence in this as a genuine, hand-signed inscription and autograph.

Henry J. Nowak

• Signature Position: Left above printed photo.
• Style: Appears hastily scrawled; most letters not clearly legible.
• Notable Features:
• Identifiable “H” initiation and trailing “k,” matches internal examples from Nowak’s period correspondence.
• Pen lifts and slight directional inconsistency suggest live motion.
• Conclusion: Medium-to-high confidence handwriting; no evidence of reproduction.

Stanley N. Lundine

• Signature Placement: To right of printed image.
• Letter Construction:
• Sharp, stylistic “S” followed by flowing “L” structure.
• Form consistent with period exemplars; some individualistic features like sharp final flourish support genuineness.
• Conclusion: Signature has organic flow and natural handwriting idiosyncrasies. Medium-to-high confidence.

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Collective Signature Analysis

• Signature Interaction/Context:
• All three signatures accommodate placement within printed layout boundaries without violating natural flow, suggesting conscious live placement.
• Different pen angles, ink colorings, and pressure profiles provide further evidence that each signature was executed independently by hand.
• Contextual Consistency:
• Page comes from a 1979 congressional autograph book — timeline matches all three representatives’ tenures.
• No incongruities identified in terms of ink/pen technology conflict with 1979 usage (i.e., ballpoint pens of these styles were prevalent).

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Red Flags

• No Red Flags Detected:
• No pixel-perfect alignment or signs of autopen or printing.
• No stamped or mechanical repetition traits.
• No substrate distortion or ink inconsistencies that would indicate reproduction.

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Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

• Jack Kemp Signed Inscriptions (Historical Context: Personal Dedications, Circa 1975–1985):

• [RR Auction (2020)]: Signed congressional index page with dedication — Sold for $125.

• [Heritage Auctions]: Signed program photo from campaign trail — Sold for $180.

• [eBay (Recent Private Sale)]: Hand-signed dedication in congressional book (very similar format) — Sold for approx. $95.

• Henry J. Nowak & Stanley Lundine Signatures:

• Fewer marketplace records exist. Appear occasionally in congressional or civic documents — value usually under $50 unless tied to unique historical events.

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Final Assessment: Based on detailed ink interaction, pressure sensitivity, letterform dynamics, and absence of print-related artifacts, the signatures — particularly that of Jack Kemp — are highly likely to be genuine, hand-signed entries. The contextual placement within a congressional autograph book dated 1979 further supports authenticity.

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Confidence Grade: A (Most Likely Authentic)

Submitted Image: