Autograph Authentication – Sandy Koufax

Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)

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Overview

The autograph attributed to Sandy Koufax appears on a color photograph of him during his pitching motion in a Dodgers uniform (#32). The ink and stroke patterns suggest this signature was applied manually, with several dynamic features that are typically difficult to replicate through mechanical or printed processes. Although some elements deserve closer scrutiny, the signature lacks the uniformity or digital artifacts associated with autopen or reproduction.

Candidate Identity (Investigative):
Identity is presumed to be Sandy Koufax based on context and visual match. Analysis confirms consistent letterforms and typical signature rhythm associated with known exemplars from Koufax. No deviations significant enough to question the assumed identity were observed.

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Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Substrate (Glossy Photo Paper):

• The signature is applied to a typical glossy photographic substrate.

• No apparent absorption or fiber-related diffusion, as expected for glossy surfaces.

• Ink Characteristics:

• The ink shows variable opacity that corresponds with pen pressure, inconsistent with mechanical reproduction.

• Moderate ink pooling in tighter turns and line terminuses (e.g., curves of the “S” and descender of the “y”), indicating pause and redirection — characteristics of freehand motion.

• No toner speckling or signs of inkjet dithering detected under simulated magnification.

• Edges of the signature are mostly clean but show gentle feathering in a few spots due to glide-induced ink skid — typical for signatures on a slick surface.

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Individual Signature Analysis

• Signature Content: “Sandy Koufax”

• Stroke Analysis:

• The initial “S” is large and flowing — lacking symmetrical perfection, with some micro-wavering common in genuine signatures.

• Moderate tapering at stroke starts and stops indicates pressure variation by hand.

• The loop of “y” finishes with a natural upward flare that appears confidently executed.

• “Koufax” features extended and asymmetric up/down strokes, particularly in the “f” where the lower loop is not uniform — another indicator of dynamic movement.

• Pen Lifts:

• Subtle pen lifts visible between letters and certain transitions (“y” to “K”, “x” ending), not commonly replicated in autopen or laser-printed forgeries.

• Line Weight & Pressure:

• Varying stroke thickness — heavier in downstrokes, thinner in upstrokes — supports the presence of freehand motion from a ballpoint or felt-tip pen.

• No pixel-for-pixel repetition was detected (would be required to flag autopen or scan-based reproduction).

• Contextual Flow:

• The signature arches naturally with the contours of Koufax’s leg and body in the photo, suggesting real-time adjustment during application.

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Collective Signature Analysis

• Only a single autograph appears on this item.
• The spatial interaction between the signature and the photograph suggests deliberate placement.
• No signs of bulk templating or mechanical reproduction methods across the image.

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Red Flags

• Substrate Limitation: The underlying photograph’s glossy coating makes it more difficult to identify fiber-based ink absorption, limiting definitive exclusion of some high-quality forgeries.
• Medium Wear: There is a slight pixel blurriness near the upper bowl of the “a” and hook of the “f,” which could arise from either pen traction against gloss or image compression. It does not match known photocopy degradation patterns.
• No Accompanying Inscriptions or Dated Embellishments: Lack of personalization or context inscriptions slightly raises forgery risk, as forgers often prefer “clean” signatures for ease of replication.

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Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

• Sandy Koufax Signed Photos (Authenticated by PSA/DNA or JSA):

• 8” x 10” Signed Photo (sliding pitch motion): $200 – $400 USD range

• Signed glossy photo, uninscribed: $150 – $275 USD, depending on condition and certification

• Signed & inscribed pieces (e.g., “HOF ‘72”, with clear provenance): Often reach $400 – $500 USD

• All comparable items exhibit individualized line variation and placement characteristics consistent with this analysis.

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Final Assessment

While no authentication can be completely definitive outside of laboratory or provenance-backed environments, the forensic evidence here weighs in favor of a likely authentic freehand signature. There are no conclusive indicators of autopen use, mechanical reproduction, or digital forgery. Minor substrate limitations and the lack of inscription or direct provenance prevent a high-certainty “A” grade, but indicators remain firmly in the authentic range overall.

Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)

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Submitted Image: