Autograph Authentication – Andrew Johnson

Confidence Grade: A (Most Likely Authentic)

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Overview

The document in question appears to be a handwritten memorandum dated May 9, 1865, bearing what is attributed to be the signature of Andrew Johnson, 17th President of the United States. The signature and inscription are written in ink consistent with 19th-century dip-pen usage.

After a detailed forensic examination simulating 10x magnification, no markers of autopen, mechanical reproduction, or modern forgery techniques were found. The pressure variation, ink distribution, tone consistency, and inscription flow all demonstrate the hallmarks of an authentic, hand-executed document.

This analysis benefits from the highly time-specific context (immediately following the assassination of President Lincoln), the historic handwriting style consistent with known Johnson documents from the same period, and the observable material aging of the paper, folding, and ink absorption.

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Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Paper Analysis:

• The paper exhibits appropriate signs of aging, including natural patina, toning, edge wear, and warping consistent with mid-19th century parchment or laid paper.

• Fold lines are prominently weathered and create discoloration along the crease, which would be difficult to authentically reproduce in a forgery.

• Ink Dispersion:

• Ink saturation into paper fibers is uneven but entirely consistent with dip-pen writing on aged paper.

• No signs of ink bleeding or feathering beyond what is typical for iron gall ink of the period.

• The entry and exit points of strokes show natural tapering due to pressure variation, with lighter tails where the pen lifted—consistent with live, manual execution.

• Pen Type Compatibility:

• The ink meets expected characteristics for 1865—most likely iron gall or another common historical formulation, with no evidence of ballpoint or felt-tip interaction.

• Ink has no artificial sheen or powdery residue that would suggest modern toner or laser replication.

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Individual Signature Analysis

• Signature: “Andrew Johnson”

• Slant & Flourish Consistency: The signature matches exemplars of Johnson’s mid-1860s signature, particularly in the upward flourish of the ‘J’ in “Johnson”, the compressed oval of the ‘o’, and the downward-pointed terminal stroke.

• Pressure Variation: There is clear variance in line weight along strokes—especially noticeable in the loop of the ‘J’, the ascender in ‘h’, and the final ‘n’—indicative of authentic penmanship.

• Rhythm & Motion: The signature flows naturally with no evidence of halting or artificial precision. Stroke overlap and hesitation are absent.

• Notable Alignment Features: The signature orientation with the text body is visually harmonious and lacks signs of post-production insertion (e.g., misalignment, contrast mismatches).

• Handwritten Inscription Above Signature:

• Multiple lines of cursive handwriting are executed with the same ink and pen characteristics. Writing pressure, letter proportionality, and slant are consistent throughout.

• The unusual sharp-sloped ascenders and crossover junctions in “Executive Office” and “Secretary of War,” align well with period examples of high-formality handwriting.

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Collective Signature Analysis

• Ink Uniformity Across Document:

• No discontinuity in ink opacity, color fading, or pen width, suggesting the entire document was written in a single session by the same hand.

• Flow and vertical alignment indicate careful planning, which is typical of memorandum-style executive communications, particularly from this historical moment.

• Edge Integration and Paper Interaction:

• No lift or discontinuity where the ink meets folds, supporting originality of the text and signature to the paper.

• Conclusion:

• All evaluated features affirm that the inscription and signature are congruent in form, timing, and material interaction.

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Red Flags

• None Detected
• No markers of autopen, inkjet, laser print, photocopying, or pattern duplication.
• No pixel-perfect alignment with known pre-existing templates.

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Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

Below are recent sales records of comparable Andrew Johnson memorabilia:

• RR Auction – Presidential Autograph Letter Signed (ALS), Dated May 29, 1865

• Sold for: $3,500 (2022)

• Matching contextual period and penmanship style.

• Minor inscription length.

• Heritage Auctions – Andrew Johnson Executive Mansion Document Signed

• Sold for: $4,200 (2021)

• Similar layout and penmanship.

• Also dated shortly after Lincoln’s death.

• Swann Auction Galleries – Andrew Johnson Signed Document (1866)

• Sold for: $2,800 (2020)

• Short communication on a smaller format sheet, lower overall inscription quality.

• Bonham’s Historical Manuscripts Auction – Andrew Johnson Signed Note to Secretary Stanton

• Sold for: $3,750 (2019)

• High correlation in content and handwriting style, directed to Secretary of War.

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Final Confidence Assessment: A — Most Likely Authentic

The signature and inscription demonstrate consistency with period writing instruments and substrate interaction, and no indicators of reproduction or forgery are present. The contextually dated correspondence enhances its authenticity likelihood significantly.

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