Verification for Ted Williams | Item # 1683
Autograph Authentication – Ted Williams
Confidence Grade: D (Very Likely NOT Authentic)
Overview
This analysis reviews a blue-ink signature on an official-style baseball, purported to be that of Ted Williams. After a thorough forensic examination of the ink characteristics and stroke behavior under simulated 10x magnification, significant inconsistencies and reproduction indicators were found that strongly undermine the authenticity claim.
Candidate Identity (Investigative):
- No reliable identity match; analysis proceeds under Unknown.
The signature reads “Ted Melliano” or a similar name, not “Ted Williams.” Slight ambiguity in cursive may suggest an alternate spelling, but it unquestionably does not match known exemplars of Ted Williams’ autograph. The entire analysis thus proceeds under open-set identification mode.
Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation
Ink Characteristics
- The ink shows uniform distribution with no distinct tapering or pressure fluctuations at stroke entries or exits.
- Under simulated high magnification, line edges are uniformly smooth and devoid of naturally occurring micro-tremors or pressure flecks typically associated with freehand penmanship.
- No feathering or bleed into leather grain is observed, implying surface-level ink application consistent with inkjet or laser-based transfer or autopen usage.
Substrate Interaction
- The ball leather is lightly worn, but there’s an absence of absorption artifacts where ink typically integrates with the ball surface.
- The crispness of the ink edges, especially around curved strokes of letters “T,” “d,” and “o,” is atypical for live ink signatures on rawhide—suggesting ink was applied with machine-like consistency.
Individual Signature Analysis
- Visual Name Rendered: “Ted Melliano” (not “Ted Williams”)
- Stroke Dynamics:
- No variation in pressure throughout the strokes; this is highly inconsistent with a natural signature, especially one written on a curved surface like a baseball.
- Identical stroke speed and flow characteristics across letters—flags possible autopen or high-resolution print method.
- Letters do not show natural hesitation or drag in areas like the “T” or “M,” which typically present mild irregularities under real signing conditions.
- Baseline and Slant Consistency:
- Excessively consistent angle and rhythm suggest path-following from a programmed autopen device or mechanically replicated pattern.
Collective Signature Analysis
- Signature quality is too precise for a typical manually written baseball autograph.
- Lack of ink bleeding, absence of line widening at stroke turns, and no observable tapering mark a departure from expected characteristics of authentic, in-person signatures.
- When considered with the apparent mismatch of name and stylistic break from known authentic Ted Williams exemplars, the piece must be viewed with extreme skepticism.
Red Flags
- Name Discrepancy: The autograph does not read “Ted Williams”—a completely different name is present, e.g., “Ted Melliano.”
- Ink Behavior: Consistently applied ink with no evidenced variation in pen pressure strongly aligns with autopen or mechanical application.
- No Tapering or Stroke Lift: Areas like the loop in “T” and the entry strokes show no pressure-sensitive taper or natural pen lift.
- Substrate/Ink Mismatch: The ink sits atop the leather without embedding, raising flags of application via mechanical reproduction.
- Textbook Pen Motion Rhythm: Identical stroke velocity and uniformity across compound curves are abnormal and raise concerns about non-biological (machine) authorship.
Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales
Due to the mismatch in autographer identity, no comparable verified sales of a Ted Williams signature are applicable.
Related Sales for Contextual Reference (Generic Baseball Autographs):
- Replica Signature Baseballs (Machine-produced):
- eBay: “Facsimile Signed Baseball, Hall of Fame Players” — $15 to $30
- Etsy: “Custom printed baseball with signature” — ~$25
- Unverified Signatures on Vintage Baseballs:
- Estimated $20–$50, depending on inscription or uniqueness
- Authentic Ted Williams Signed Baseballs (authenticated by PSA/DNA or JSA):
- Heritage Auctions: $700–$1,200 depending on condition and provenance
- eBay (with certification): $600–$1,100
No valid match found for “Ted Melliano” or any visually similar variant in major auction or memorabilia databases.
Final Determination:
Given the conflicting identity, artificial ink characteristics, absence of pressure-based variation, and the name mismatch, the signature cannot be confidently attributed to Ted Williams—nor confirmed as genuinely hand-signed by any known autographer.
Conclusion: Very likely a printed or autopen reproduction of a non-famous or fabricated identity.
Submitted Image:
