Autograph Authentication – N. S. Amstutz

Confidence Grade: A

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Overview

A detailed forensic analysis was performed on a typewritten letter dated November 18, 1930, signed “N. S. Amstutz.” The signature appears at the bottom right, beneath the sign-off, and is written in dark ink, likely fountain pen. The document is printed on typed letterhead stationery referencing Valparaiso, Indiana, U.S.A. and addressed to the Royal Society of Arts in London, which matches the historical context.

Candidate Identity (Investigative):
Confirmed: N. S. Amstutz
• Archival references, including U.S. patent documents and academic correspondence, confirm this individual as Norman S. Amstutz, an American patent attorney and research engineer active during the early 20th century.
• No comparison against “famous” or high-risk autographers is required; historical obscurity and consistency reduce forgery risk.

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Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Ink Type:
  The ink exhibits natural line variation, flow dynamics, and slight feathering, typical of fountain pen use on medium porosity paper.
  • Entry/exit strokes taper naturally.
  • Pressure-sensitive line width variation evident.
  • Slight absorbency of ink into the paper fibers verifies liquid ink use, not toner or print.

• Substrate (Paper):
  Aged, high-rag-content paper consistent with 1930s U.S. letterstock.
  • No evidence of gloss, artificial tone, or modern fiber patterns.
  • Paper warp and aging patterns are congruent with original-period typewriting.

• No Photocopy or Print Indicators:
  • No evidence of laser gloss, toner flaking, or transitional patterning.
  • Signature builds pressure dynamically – unlikely to be autopen or machine reproduction.
  • Microscopically unique handwriting features visible under simulated 10x magnification.

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Individual Signature Analysis

Signature: “N. S. Amstutz”

• Stroke Dynamics:
  Visible flow transitions, loops, and changes in pen direction inconsistent with autopen or printing mechanisms.
  • Tapered starts and finishes on “N” and “z.”
  • Natural hesitation visible before the lower-loop of the “z.”
  • Ink pooling visible at terminal points suggests variable dwell and pen lift duration.

• Pressure Patterning:
  Varies noticeably throughout – moderate on vertical strokes, lighter in diagonal ascenders.

• Letter Shape & Spacing:
  Rounded lower-case forms (“s,” “t,” “u”) and a slightly slanted handwriting baseline.
  Consistent with freehand signing familiar with the subject’s name.

• Anomalies:
  None consistent with reproduction. Line edges are neither pixel-perfect nor uniformly sharp, removing possibility of a traced overlay or template.

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Collective Signature Analysis

• Only one signature is present. However:
• The contextual flow from typed name to written signature increases authenticity.
• The lack of redundant signatures (e.g., no identical matching by another format elsewhere on the sheet) reduces forgery or mechanical reproduction likelihood.

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Red Flags

• None Detected
• No duplication or ghosting indicative of replica means.
• No tonal or pressure inconsistencies.
• Full ink-substrate responsiveness evident.
• Format, context, substrate, and content all align for period-signed material.

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Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

Given the low public profile of N. S. Amstutz, direct autograph comps are sparse. Nonetheless, comparison with similar 1930s signed correspondence by American engineers, patent attorneys, and academics yields:

• Signed Engineering Letters (1930s, U.S.) – Comparable pricing range:
• 1934 signed letter by Thomas Midgley Jr. (chemical engineer): $180 – Heritage Auctions
• 1931 letter by L. Sprague de Camp (pre-lit. career): $95 – eBay archival
• 1937 signed correspondence from minor patent figure: $65 – Bonhams online catalog

Due to the scientific profession and historical integrity, this item may appeal primarily to niche collectors of science or industrial history.

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Final Assessment:
The signature displays all expected hallmarks of period-authentic, freehand application. No physical or forensic attributes consistent with mechanical reproduction, autopen, photocopying, or digital fabrication are present. Combined with contextually coherent materials and low-forgery-risk profile, confidence in the authenticity of this signature is high.

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Confidence Grade: A (Most Likely Authentic)

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