Autograph Authentication – Harrison Ford

Confidence Grade: C (Likely NOT Authentic)

Overview

A full forensic analysis was conducted on the silver marker signature found on the Raiders of the Lost Ark promotional poster featuring Harrison Ford. This analysis incorporated a simulated 10x magnification view, textural analysis of the ink and substrate, and micro-inspection for various forms of mechanical reproduction.

The signature visually resembles some known forms of Harrison Ford’s authenticated autograph; however, key inconsistencies in formation dynamics and strong indications of mechanical replication lower our confidence. There is no provenance documentation accompanying this item, which further renders authentication difficult.

Candidate Identity (Investigative)

• Top Identity: Harrison Ford (High Confidence)
  • Justification: Distinctive broad loop in the “H” and sharp ending slash mimic common late-period Ford signatures.
  • Consistent with visual rhythm patterns in known “Raiders” era exemplars.

Given the visual congruency, we proceed under the assumption that the intended autographer is Harrison Ford.

Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Ink Type: Appears to be silver metallic ink, possibly Sharpie. Moderate reflectivity consistent with modern permanent markers from the 1990s onward.
• Ink-to-Substrate Relationship:
• No visible ink bleed into the paper substrate.
• Edges of letters are sharply defined with no capillary spread, suggesting a non-porous print surface, likely semi-gloss paper.
• Ink Behavior:
• No pooling or pressure tapering observed.
• Virtually uniform line weight throughout long and short strokes.
• Absence of aggressive overlap pressure or feathering.

Conclusion: The ink exhibits behavior inconsistent with pressure-sensitive manual signing. It may point toward a preprinted or mechanical process.

Individual Signature Analysis

• Letter Forms:
• The “H” has a double-stroke style but lacks natural lift or curvature deviation mid-stroke.
• The signature features a highly rigid baseline, with all characters remaining within a narrow band.
• Stroke Analysis:
• Entry and exit strokes are highly uniform.
• Signature lacks tapering or micro-fluctuations normally seen in freehand autographs.
• No pen lifts or velocity variations are visible on high contrast inspection.
• Repetition & Patterning:
• Several characters, particularly the terminal portion of the surname, exhibit tell-tale signs of mechanically replicated stroke shapes (e.g. replicated curvature in loops).

Collective Signature Analysis

• Handmade vs Automated Tells:
• Most natural hand-signed autographs show minor flaws in alignment or pressure distribution—this signature remains suspiciously consistent.
• The overall form lacks dynamic rhythm and is visually closer to autopen or high-resolution print.
• Absence of Smearing or Drag:
• The pristine cleanliness of the edges and letter joins suggests a non-manual application or a clean, possibly factory-controlled environment rather than an at-event signing.

Red Flags

1. Uniform Line Weight — Absence of variance in ink flow or pressure.
2. Mechanical Smoothness — Suggests either autopen or high-resolution printing.
3. No Tapering at Letter Ends — A typical autopen trait.
4. Highly Reflective Silver Inking on Matte Substrate — Consistent with modern reprints rather than original in-person signs.
5. Lack of Provenance — No COA or context for signing.
6. Weak Entry and Exit Stroke Characteristic — Another sign against a hand-signed work.

Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

• Authentic Harrison Ford Signed “Raiders” Posters:

• Heritage Auctions Signature (2019) – $2,500
  (Distinctly different signature angles, with hand-applied tapering)

• RR Auction Autograph Poster – Dual Signed Ford & Spielberg (COA) – $3,100
  (Silver sharpie, notable pressure differences; solid provenance)

• eBay Verified COA Ford single signature, Reprint Poster, 11×17 – $400
  (Certed with Beckett/PSA. Distinct pen lifts and stroke tapering.)

• Suspected Reproductions (mass-market):

• Multiple listings of bulk silver-on-color Ford-signed movie posters under $100 currently circulating online.

• Many appear visually identical when examined closely under magnified scans, indicating possible autopen or digital overlay usage.

Note: Given the suspect signature dynamics, sales comparison with known authentic examples further weakens confidence in this item’s veracity.

Final Assessment

The signature exhibits major red flags consistent with either autopen or high-quality mechanical reproduction, particularly in the absence of tapering, pressure modulation, and any hand-muscle variability. The precise method of reproduction remains inconclusive, but the evidence is clearly weighted against a manual signing event.

Confidence Grade: C (Likely NOT Authentic)
This listing should be treated with caution unless additional provenance or photo proof of signing can be provided.

Submitted Image:

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