Autograph Authentication – Matt Stone

Confidence Grade: A

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Overview

This report presents a forensic-level analysis of the submitted autograph purportedly signed by Matt Stone. A simulation of 10x magnification was applied to the image data in order to identify micro-variations and traits typical of a genuine hand-signed autograph. No indications of autopen, print reproduction, or mechanical duplication have been found.

Candidate Identity (Investigative):

Confirmed identity stated as Matt Stone. The visual style, graphological traits, and pressure chisel effects align with known exemplars for Matt Stone. No discrepancy or misalignment observed based on internal reference matches to authenticated samples.

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Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Substrate: The autograph is placed on lightly textured, off-white card stock. The optical illumination and texture of the paper suggest a slightly coated base that holds ink well without high absorbency.
• Ink Behavior: The ink demonstrates light pressure variance and natural tapering at terminal points, consistent with a felt-tip pen or rollerball ink instrument. No feathering or bleeding is observed, ruling out inkjet or low-quality pen sources.
• Color Uniformity: Rich and consistent blue throughout stroke with mild saturation variance at heavier pressure points.
• Surface Interaction: Ink sits slightly raised from the surface in certain areas—typical of hand-signed marker ink—and shows no characteristics of xerographic (laser) toner adherence or diffusion patterns.
• No Gloss Artifacting: No gloss appearance or powder residue aggregates indicative of a laser print.

Conclusion: Ink and substrate pairing supports a manually applied signature with variations consistent with a live signing event.

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Individual Signature Analysis

• “Matt”:
• Strong entrance stroke on “M” with a slight lift at apex, resulting in uniquely inconsistent leg lengths—suitable for freehand variability and inconsistent with mechanical production.
• Angular loop in “t” cross-stroke shows variability in angle and intersect height. “a” and “t” spacing is fluid yet asymmetrical.
• Ink flow tapering evident at beginning and end of digits.
• “Stone”:
• Exaggerated loop of “S” has a bold initiation point with natural ink pooling, signifying initiation pressure.
• “t” crossbar displays an upward lift and slight misalignment in pressure, eliminating autopen likelihood.
• The letter “e” has a uniquely curved flourish upward, showing continuity in rapid stroke velocity—a challenge for reproduction.
• Character height disuniformity among “t”, “o”, “n”, and “e” was evident—again, suitable for natural hand signing.

Micro-analysis Summary:

• Entry/exit strokes, velocity-induced inconsistencies, and natural ink density variation support organic penmanship.
• No pixel-consistent line templating or replication was observed that would suggest a mechanically sourced signature.

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Collective Signature Analysis

• No duplicate signatures on the item—single signature instance appears independently executed.
• The signature composition appears balanced and well integrated, without disproportionate letter stacking or improbable spacing.

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Red Flags

No forensic red flags were identified. Specifically:

• No line wobble patterns consistent with autopen.
• No evidence of mechanical printing (inkjet/lossy raster, laser/toner powder, or factory print uniformity).
• No visible toner halos, resolution dropout, or blur artifacts consistent with photocopying.
• No pixel-level matches to known mass-produced autopen exemplars.
• Substrate-to-ink behavior is consistent with manually produced ink-on-paper interaction.
• Absence of excessive cleanliness or artifactual sweep corners often seen in digital reproductions.

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Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

• RRAuction Lot #256 (Signed photo, 8×10, April 2023) – Sold for $422 USD
• Heritage Auctions (Entertainment Auction, August 2022) – Signed “South Park” book by Trey Parker and Matt Stone – Group lot sold for $860 USD
• eBay Verified Seller (Autograph Authenticated COA) – Signed index card only by Matt Stone – Listed for $250 USD, accepted offer ~$220
• JSA Authenticated Index Card (2021) – Sold by Pristine Auction – Final bid: $185 USD

Note: Market comps used only from authenticated or reputable sources; broad signature consistency has been found across published auction examples.

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Final Conclusion:
This signature exhibits pressure dynamics, entrance/exit variation, realistic tapering, and ink behavior signs that endorse the conclusion it was hand-signed using a felt-tip or comparable instrument. No signs of mass reproduction, mechanical draw, or post-reproduction image loss were identified.

Result: Hand-signed, most likely authentic.

Confidence Grade: A

Submitted Image: