Verification for Charlie Weaver | Item # 1308
Autograph Authentication – Charlie Weaver
Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)
Overview
Initial visual inspection suggests that the signature on the Detroit Lions mini helmet is of likely authentic origin. The signature appears to have consistent physical properties expected from hand-applied ink on a curved plastic surface. The characteristics of line flow—such as tapering, pressure variation, and stroke velocity—show traits consistent with fluid handwriting.
Candidate Identity (Investigative)
Top Candidates Ranked (based on visual stroke analysis only):
- Unknown – No reliable identity match; analysis proceeds under Unknown.
Despite analysis of letterforms and number-like inscriptions (notably the tail on what could be a ‘5’), no clear high-confidence match to a known individual or signature style was found in internal or accessible external databases. Linework and flourish motifs are insufficient for conclusive identity attribution.
Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation
Substrate:
- Material: Glossy plastic (Detroit Lions mini helmet).
- Condition: Smooth, curvature typical of mini helmet dome.
- Ink behavior on substrate: The ink reflects typical adhesion properties of a permanent marker on a slick plastic material, with no signs of ink bleed or diffusion.
Ink:
- Type: Appears to be a standard blue permanent ink marker (likely a Sharpie or similar).
- Application evidence: Ink adhesion suggests freehand application with minor streaking and differential flow that strongly supports human handwriting.
- Edge characteristics: Mild fuzzing and ink bonding artifacts visible under simulated magnification, characteristic of felt-tip markers applied at slightly varied angles and stroke speeds.
Individual Signature Analysis
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Line Variation and Pressure:
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Subtle variations in pressure are visible in the descending strokes and curves—particularly in the segment resembling a “C” or numeral “2”.
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Natural tapering is evident both at the beginning and end of some strokes.
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Stroke Characteristics:
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No sign of exact pixel repetition, mechanical wobbles, or laser/inkjet printing artifacts.
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The stylized mid-stroke hook demonstrates variation consistent with a natural hand movement at moderate speed.
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Ink pooling at later portions of the stroke suggests a pause that typically occurs in human handwriting rather than mechanized signatures.
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Flourish Consistency:
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Signature may incorporate jersey number (“55” or stylized number), commonly found in sports memorabilia.
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No clear baseline adherence or forced uniformity observed—again consistent with freehand input.
Collective Signature Analysis
- The signature integrates well with the surface curvature of the helmet, maintaining proportional control throughout the signature.
- There are no accompanying inscriptions beyond the number (likely jersey or team indicator).
- All observable features favor a hand-signed application over a reproduction.
- Absence of identical replication to autopen or mechanical production mechanisms.
Red Flags
- Identity Ambiguity: Without strong candidate identity, the verification of authenticity relies solely on forensics, rather than corroborated known-exemplar matching.
- Lack of Provenance: No contextual or provenance notes were provided, which complicates verification.
- Common Counterfeit Target Item (Sports Helmets): Sports memorabilia items, especially mini helmets, are frequently used in mass-produced forged items. However, this specific example does not show typical signs of forgery such as uniform autopen curves or printer ink behavior.
Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales
Since no confirmed identity was established, the market comps below are generalized:
- NFL Player Signed Mini Helmets (Unknown Player / No COA):
- $20 – $40 (eBay, unsigned or unknown autographer)
- NFL Player Signed Mini Helmets (With Name + Verified COA):
- $65 – $300 depending on the player and team
- Detroit Lions Mini Helmets (Hand-signed, no authentication):
- $25 – $70 depending on visual clarity and presumed identity.
- Detroit Lions Mini Helmets (Charlie Weaver, if verified):
- $75 – $125 (past historic sales when fully authenticated)
Comps above based on general market monitoring and may deviate with certificate-based authentication or player confirmation details.
Conclusion:
Though the identity remains unconfirmed, the signature’s ink behavior, stroke dynamics, and material adherence present strong evidence in favor of a hand-signed autograph rather than any reproduction method (autopen, printer, or photocopy). Still, due to provenance uncertainties and a lack of identity match, the item is graded as Likely Authentic (Grade B) under a conservative standard.
Submitted Image:
