Autograph Authentication – Kevin McReynolds, Keith Hernandez

Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)

Overview

This analysis evaluates a 1980s Topps “Leaders” baseball card featuring dual autographs attributed to Kevin McReynolds and Keith Hernandez. At initial glance, both signatures exhibit traits of natural, freehand writing with variable pressure, dynamic flow, and strong evidence of on-surface interaction. No pixel-perfect repetition or digital production markers were found during magnified analysis. However, a lack of decisive provenance or contextual background warrants cautious grading.

Candidate Identity (Investigative)

• Kevin McReynolds – High Confidence
• Signature matches exemplars in letter formation and slant. Notably consistent capital “K” and “M”, with a trailing vertical loop typical in verified signatures.
• Keith Hernandez – High Confidence
• Script displays his recognized variable-weight “K” and “H”, slanted rightward, with dynamic lower loops that curve tightly. Sizing and flourish style match known mid-to-late 1980s signatures.

Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Ink Type: Appears to be a modern blue permanent marker (likely Sharpie or equivalent).
• Ink Behavior:
• Kevin McReynolds: Ink visibly saturated into the cardstock fibers, especially in descenders and heavier parts of the script (e.g., “K” and “R”). Minor feathering at ink-paper junction is present, supporting freehand execution.
• Keith Hernandez: Tapering starts/stops are evident. Inconsistent stroke weight aligned with pen-pressure variance typical of human motor activity.
• Application Dynamics:
• Pen lifts and slight ink pooling found at name-starting letters and exiting strokes suggest manual application.
• No signs of mechanical or print introduction (e.g., pixelation, toner layering, or uniform edge sharpness).

Individual Signature Analysis

Kevin McReynolds

• Letter Formation: Classic, tall flourished “K”, connected midcentury-styled “M”, and fully legible “cReynolds”.
• Stroke Behavior:
• Presents clear downstroke pressure changes and quick ascender lifts.
• Line curvature and inconsistent inking prevent suspicion of autopen or print reproduction.
• Magnification Insights:
• At 10x, micro-wobble normally seen in autopen-generated artifacts is absent.
• Transitional joins between letters are fluid and unmechanized.

Keith Hernandez

• Letter Formation: Stylized “K” with exaggerated entry stroke and a consistent arc in “Hernandez”.
• Pen Pressure and Speed:
• Speed shifts in vertical downstrokes, pressure variation in final flourish, and a unique lobe-dipping “z”.
• Micro-Detail Fidelity:
• Under zoom, ink bleed aligns with freehand signatures rather than inkjet or laser output.

Collective Signature Analysis

• Interactive Elements:
• No overlapping or smearing between the two signatures suggests they were applied separately and cleanly, likely in-person or during a scheduled signing.
• Stylistic Compatibility:
• Both autographs share similar marker tone and slight tip softness, though Hernandez’s ink flow appears marginally heavier, implying sequential signing with the same or a similar pen.
• Authenticity Indicators:
• Neither signature displays digital production marks or autopen-like uniformity.
• Syntactic flow matches checked period exemplars from similar signed cards.

Red Flags

• Lack of Provenance:
• No collector notes, COA, or documentation were provided for context.
• Card Type Commonality:
• The mass-production nature of the card leaves room for aftermarket forgeries.
• Multiple-Signature Risk:
• Dual-signed cards carry elevated forgery potential, but each signature shows variant stroke characteristics inconsistent with simultaneously reproduced items.

Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

• Kevin McReynolds Signed Card (Topps, similar layout)

• eBay Sale (Verified): $9 – $15

• Signature Style: Matching stroke arc, marker bleed, and flourish.

• Comparable example

• Keith Hernandez Signed Card

• eBay Auction (PSA slabbed example): $25 – $40

• Variant in script: Matching swooping “z”, with heavier marker ink usage.

• PSA example

• Dual-Signed Mets Cards (McReynolds + Hernandez)

• Scarcer occurrence, often unsigned by both. Comparable dual-authentic items list: $40 – $65 depending on verification.

Final Conclusion: Upon holistic evaluation, both signatures exhibit natural handwriting flow, pressure variation, and substrate interaction consistent with genuine freehand marker application. While missing definitive provenance, the absence of reproduction markers and satisfactory visual match to verified exemplars supports a Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic).

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