Autograph Authentication – Cary Grant

Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)

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Overview

The subject of this authentication is a headshot photo bearing the inscription and signature: “Sincerely, Cary Grant.” The style of the photograph appears consistent with the 1930s Hollywood publicity portraits. The signature overlays a lighter background area (shirt), facilitating high-contrast analysis under pseudo-10x magnification.

Initial inspection indicates the potential for a hand-signed inscription; however, the forensic analysis reveals minor irregularities in pressure patterns that may suggest usage of mechanical assistance or reproduction techniques. While most attributes lean toward authenticity, several ambiguous elements prevent this example from reaching the highest confidence threshold.

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Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Substrate (Surface Material):

• The medium appears to be a semi-gloss photographic print typical of studio portraits from the 1930s.

• No ink bleeding typical of inkjet reproduction is visible.

• The surface shows subtle light reflections but lacks the uniform sheen of laser prints.

• Ink Characteristics:

• Ink possesses depth with minor pressure variance, consistent with a fountain or dip pen representative of 1930s writing instruments.

• Lacks the micro-wobble motif attributed to autopen devices.

• Ink lines exhibit slight tapering and edge feathering, which suggests manual application rather than mechanical print application.

• Absence of dot matrix or powder granularity eliminates inkjet and laser printing as likely sources.

Conclusion: The ink-to-substrate interaction and stroke tapering favor a hand-signature origin rather than a modern reproduction or machine print.

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Individual Signature Analysis

“Sincerely”

• Moderate tilt and fluid formation.
• Stack pressure corresponds with normal mid-stroke writing behavior.
• Noticeable but natural fluctuations in line weight.
• Slight hesitation on “S” stroke start potentially indicative of nervous handling—but could be inherent to pen choice.

“Cary Grant”

• The capital “C” in Cary showcases rhythmic lead-in with a tapering outstroke.
• Spacing between “Cary” and “Grant” is even, with aligned baseline and proportional letterforms.
• The “G” in Grant is sharply looped with a descending stroke and upward curl – a known characteristic in verified Grant signatures.
• Minor natural tremor along the upward stroke of “t” likely due to pen angle or grip—not machine artifact.

Authenticity Indicators:

• Tapered terminal strokes on multiple letters (especially in “y” and “t”) point away from autopen usage.
• No evidence of mechanical uniformity in stroke width or pressure.

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Collective Signature Analysis

The inscription and signature display unified ink tone and apparent single session creation. The orientation and spatial layout are harmonious with personal inscriptions of the era. Line characteristics, tapering, and inconsistent pressure are consistent with a hand-inscribed message using a period-appropriate pen.

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Red Flags

• Photographic Base: While common for studio autographs of the 1930s, photographic substrates occasionally obscure finer offsets in pressure or ink saturation, limiting forensic precision.
• Professional Cropping: Signature’s clean placement and absence of smudging or ink faults may reflect unusually careful execution, taming hallmarks of freehand, spontaneous writing.
• Provenance Absent: No visible notation of collection history, date, or chain of custody. Lack of provenance lowers confidence slightly.

Note: None of these factors independently suggest forgery, but their combination introduces minimal doubt.

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Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

• Heritage Auctions (ha.com), Lot #89324 – Cary Grant signed 1930s studio photo, similar inscription “Sincerely” — sold at $1,220 (Grade A authenticity assessment).
• RR Auction, July 2022 – Glossy headshot signed “Cary Grant”, photo type consistent, $945 USD sale price (graded PSA/DNA).
• eBay (Verified Dealer Listing) – “Sincerely, Cary Grant” headshot on photo paper, early career image — $925 sale, third-party authenticated.
• Christie’s Vintage Film Auction, 2016 – Headshot signed studio photo “To [Name], Cary Grant” — achieved $1,135, noted taper and fountain pen ink match.

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Summary

The evidence overall supports this autograph being likely authentic, hand-signed with a period-appropriate writing instrument on a 1930s studio-photograph substrate. It does not conform to common patterns of autopen, laser, or inkjet reproduction. Deeper historical/provenance documentation would have increased the confidence level.

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Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)

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