Autograph Authentication – Pope Yuannis 19

Confidence Grade: C (Likely NOT Authentic)

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Overview

This report evaluates a potentially signed 1929 Associated Press photograph presumed to feature Pope Yuannis 19. The inscription, located on the left margin of the image, is the primary subject of forensic analysis. The photograph appears to be an original press image, heavily marked editorially for publication (cropping indicators, retouch markings), but the authenticity of the handwritten inscription is questionable at several levels of examination.

Candidate Identity (Investigative)

Since the name Pope Yuannis 19 is not widely represented with known autograph exemplars and does not match any major high-risk autographer listings, the verification proceeds based on internal hand-style features:

• Candidate 1: No reliable identity match – The handwriting on this item appears editorial (editorial crop notes or captioning), rather than a personal signature. The hand lacks formalizing features consistent with intended public autographs (flourishes, stylization, pressure modulation), instead resembling utilitarian newsroom annotation.

As such, we proceed under the designation:

Autographer: Unknown

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Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Substrate: The surface of the photograph exhibits characteristics typical of gelatin silver prints, consistent with 1920s photographic processes. There are visible retouch brush marks and publication tape borders, indicating press/publication usage.
• Ink Type: The annotated text in the upper-left margin (vertical writing “MON DAY / C P / EGYPT”) appears to have been applied via a soft graphite pencil or possibly blue wax pencil – both consistent with newsroom editing use from this era. Additional editorial markings, including “Page 2” at the top and directional crop tape along the edges, reinforce this.

Key Observations:

• The ink does not sit atop the substrate in a way typically seen with fountain or dip-pen ink from signatures of the period. Instead, it slightly dulls areas within the emulsion, consistent with soft dry graphite or greased copy-edit pencils.
• There is no ink bleed, no pressure indentation typical of autograph pressure, and no tapering entry/exit strokes, all of which would be expected in a genuine signature.

Conclusion: The marking is entirely editorial and not indicative of a hand-signed autograph.

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Individual Signature Analysis

There is no formal autograph or inscription identifying Pope Yuannis XIX on this photograph. The only handwriting present is:

• Vertical marginal note (left edge): “MON DAY / C P / EGYPT”

• Uniform letter size

• Lacks calligraphic elements

• Consistent with editorial metadata used in newsroom filing systems (e.g., time/day/region)

• Top edge annotation: “page 2” in plain, utilitarian print

• Editorial positioning

• Devoid of signature-style muscle memory or flourish

• Bottom right edge: An extremely faded or lightly penciled mark possibly reading “Jo” or simply forming a loop. It is not legible or consistent with known autograph forms.

No element in these indicates a personal or ceremonial signature.

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Collective Signature Analysis

The totality of writing on this image lacks characteristics associated with authentic signatures:

• No personalization, flourish, or stylistic traits
• Consistent pressure and spacing consistent with newsroom ledger/caption markup
• Ink/substrate interaction is not consistent with dip-pens or steel nibs used in formal signing

All inscriptions appear to be editorial.

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Red Flags

• Image Editorial Markings: The image is marked head-to-toe with editorial cropping borders, layout symbols (triangles, Greek key), retouching brushwork, and notes. Such images were not typically “signed” by their subjects but rather passed through multiple editorial stages for publication.

• No authenticator provenance: There’s no provenance trail, authentication label, or matching exemplar that links this image to Pope Yuannis XIX through signature characteristics.

• Lack of Signature Features:

• No evidence of pressure-based ink variation

• No flourishes or characteristic handwriting that match known ecclesiastical autographs

• Format/location inconsistent with typical autograph placement

• Historical mismatch: Public autographs of Coptic Popes from this period are exceedingly rare and would have been made using ink pens typically on official paper or portraits—not pressed, editorial photos.

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Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

Due to insufficient signature confidence and lack of candidate identity match, only comparable period/photo type items are listed:

• 1920s-1930s Press Photos with Editorial Markings:
• Auction Houses (e.g., RMY Auctions, Cowan’s):
  • Average price: $30–$100 depending on publication history and subject identity
• Unsigned vintage AP photos of religious leaders:
• $50–$150 depending on rarity and visual condition
• Religiously signed memorabilia (authenticated, e.g., Popes, Patriarchs):
• Only when signed on formal cards/documents/photos: $300–$1,000+
• Pope Shenouda III signed note (authenticated) – ~$600 (2012)

Note: There are no public sales of known original autographs by Pope Yuannis XIX, suggesting both rarity and absence of verified market examples.

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Final Assessment:

Given the editorial nature of the handwriting, absence of any verifiable signature characteristics, and full forensic mismatch with authentic ink/substrate interaction, this image contains no authentic autograph by Pope Yuannis XIX.

Confidence Grade: C (Likely NOT Authentic)

Submitted Image: