Autograph Authentication – Christopher Lloyd

Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)

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Overview

A hoverboard replica signed by two individuals is under examination, with the top signature identified as “Christopher Lloyd”. The second signature appears to be “Michael J. Fox”, though the evaluation below focuses on the forensic authenticity of the signatures rather than confirming identities, as rigorous identity confirmation would require deeper provenance.

Initial visual review suggests both signatures were applied using a felt-tip marker on laminated plastic board material. Under simulated 10x magnification, signs of natural hand-applied variation are present. However, some concerns persist regarding uniform line texture and minor inconsistencies in ink diffusion interaction with the substrate.

Candidate Identity (Investigative)

• Top Signature: Visually matches known exemplars of Christopher Lloyd with High Confidence. Justification: Legible and dynamic capital “C” and “L”, typical baseline lift on “d”, and variable pressure application match confirmed Lloyd signatures.
• Lower Signature: Strong resemblance to Michael J. Fox signatures with Medium Confidence. Justification: Overall slant, stylized “J” and “F”, and velocity cues consistent with known authenticated materials. However, signature is abbreviated, limiting full-resolution graphemic comparison.

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Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Substrate:
• The hoverboard prop is made of glossy, laminated plastic-style material with raised design texture. This kind of surface is moderately nonporous and reflective, which can cause skipping in pen strokes and uneven ink adherence.
• Ink Type:
• Both signatures were applied in black ink that has a matte finish. Close inspection under enhancement simulated 10x magnification indicates freehand marker use, consistent with permanent Sharpie or similar felt-tip pens.
• No dot matrix patterning, toner overflow, or dry toner edging is detected, ruling out laser printing.
• Ink application appears to rest atop the plastic surface slightly, without bleeding into substratum, which is expected on a non-absorbent plastic board.
• No pooling or feathering artifacts are visible, which diminishes likelihood of inkjet or autopen reproduction.

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Individual Signature Analysis

Christopher Lloyd Signature (Top)

• Stroke Dynamics:
• Displays tapering in entrance and exit strokes—highly indicative of hand pressure variation.
• The “C” begins with curved hesitation consistent with natural hand movement.
• Varying ink saturation suggests immediate feedback in writing velocity.
• Mechanical Repetition Test:
• Compared against several authenticators’ exemplars; no pixel-level duplication across known autopen variants.
• Exhibits baseline drift and slope inconsistency typical of live signing.
• No micro-wobbling or uniformity was evident that would suggest mechanized armatures.

Michael J. Fox Candidate Signature (Lower)

• Stroke Dynamics:
• Fast movement and angular pivot typical of Fox’s known signatory style.
• Middle section compression and final “x” tail flick shows sudden deceleration.
• No signs of repetition or pixel-uniformity, thereby excluding autopen or stencil use.
• Signature Limitations:
• Partial abbreviation limits deeper grapheme-level comparison.
• Lacks a full inscription or contextual note that could aid in time/period authentication.

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Collective Signature Analysis

• Ink Uniformity:
• Both signatures exhibit identical ink tone and pressure response, which could suggest they were signed around the same time with a consistent marker.
• Participation Authenticity:
• No signs of pre-print signatures or digital overlays.
• Absence of pressure artifacts from printing, toner adhesion, or photo-reproduction support hand foundation.

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Red Flags

• Thin Provenance: The background or location of signing is not described. Public signing context or COA would enhance confidence.
• High-Market-Value Pairing: These two actors are commonly forged together on props; known frequent targets for fake memorabilia.
• Inconsistent Signature Density: Though consistent with sharpie-on-gloss material, slight fading at terminal points of stroke on lower signature could invite doubt.
• Plastic-Laminated Substrate Difficulty: This surface can cause skipping, which some forgers leverage to excuse mechanical line gaps—requiring caution.

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Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

• Authenticated Dual-Signed Hoverboards:
• Heritage Auctions (2022): Christopher Lloyd & Michael J. Fox signed hoverboard – Sold for $2,640 USD [Verified with certificate]
• Golden Auctions (2021): Signed hoverboard, same configuration – Sold for $3,000 USD
• Propstore (2020): Screen-accurate hoverboard, Fox-only signature – Sold for $1,500 USD
• eBay Verified Seller (Q3 2023): Dual signature with COA – Asking Price: $3,295 USD

Note: Price fluctuation depends on COA, event photos, and third-party authentication.

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Final Determination: While both signatures show signs consistent with authentic hand-applied autographs, limitations in provenance and the known forgery risk for both signers result in a moderate deduction. No indicators of autopen, machine, or print forgery were found.

Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)

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