Verification for Tim Considine | Item # 1821
Autograph Authentication – Tim Considine
Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)
Overview
Initial analysis suggests that this autograph attributed to Tim Considine shows strong evidence of freehand inscription, with numerous indicators inconsistent with mechanical or printed reproduction methods. While some contextual red flags exist—namely the item substrate’s visual aging patterns and the lack of documented provenance—no clear markers of autopen, print, or facsimile duplication were found.
Candidate Identity (Investigative):
Tim Considine is a known actor and public figure, particularly active during the 1950s. The stamped date of OCT 11 1955 fits plausibly within his peak period of fame, further aligning with the signature tone and ink used. No conflicting identity hypotheses were triggered. For this evaluation, we confirm the attribution remains with Tim Considine.
Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation
-
Ink Type & Behavior:
-
The ink appears to be formulated from a traditional fountain or ballpoint pen, consistent with tools from the mid-20th century.
-
Handwriting shows pressure variability, with slight blotting and pooling at junction points (notably at the capitalized “C” and “T”), suggesting physical contact.
-
Ink absorption is visible, with slight feathering in downward strokes, consistent with absorbent paper from the era—not laser or inkjet-induced dispersion.
-
Substrate (Paper) Characteristics:
-
The paper shows natural discoloration and aging, with mild foxing—suggestive of an authentic vintage paper, not a modern reproduction.
-
There is a visible vertical distortion consistent with being under pressure (e.g., enclosed beneath glass or plastic at some point).
-
A reverse ink-stamp — “OCT 11 1955” — corroborates the historical timeframe and substrate aging.
Individual Signature Analysis
-
Stroke Dynamics:
-
The capital “C” and “T” exhibit confident entry strokes, fluid motion, and pressure tapering, traits rarely seen in mechanical reproductions.
-
Letter spacing varies naturally between elements (e.g., between “C-o-n” vs. “s-i-d”), reinforcing a non-uniform hand motion.
-
Downward strokes such as in the “d” and final “y” demonstrate consistent pressure pull and occasional lifting—commonly seen in authentic handwriting.
-
No Evidence of Autopen:
-
No pixel-by-pixel repetition or robotic uniformity was found.
-
The strokes exhibit organic micro-variances, including narrowing at the end of the “y” and trailing downward tails with slightly inconsistent trajectories.
-
Line Weight & Pressure:
-
The signature contains multiple changes in line thickness, especially in loops and initial entry strokes.
-
The pen likely generated friction-variance strokes, demonstrating credible pause points at transitions into curved characters (e.g., between “n” and “e”).
Collective Signature Analysis
- The inscription is concise — “Considine, Timoty” (likely a misspelling of “Timothy”) — but notably utilizes cursive-hand cohesion and rhythm, showing a naturally extended motion.
- The name-positioning suggests multiple strokes completed with only one visible lift between the name elements, indicating deliberate and practiced fluidity.
- No overtracing, hesitation marks, or mechanical shakiness observed.
Red Flags
- Misspelling of First Name (“Timoty” instead of “Timothy”):
- While not definitive, this could introduce a doubt, though it may be a casual shorthand or rushed inscription.
- It may also be a deliberate stylization, as celebrities sometimes abbreviate under autograph conditions.
- Lack of provenance or item-level context:
- There is no supporting documentation or image context in the frame revealing what the medium is (e.g., photo, postcard, promo).
- Absence of provenance does not disqualify but demands caution especially in absence of other confirming inscriptions.
Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales
Recent public sales of Tim Considine autographs (particularly from the 1950s–60s) include:
-
Autographed Vintage 8×10 Photo (early 1960s)
Sold for $60 | RR Auction – Lot 384102 -
Signed “My Three Sons” Promotional Still (1959)
Sold for $48 | eBay Verified Seller | March 2023 -
Signed Index Card “Tim Considine” with COA
Sold for $38 | PSA/DNA Authenticated | November 2022 -
Multisigned cast photo including Tim Considine (w/ COA)
Sold for $95 | Heritage Auctions Lot 223123
Final Assessment
Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)
There is compelling forensic evidence of genuine handwriting with pressure variation, inconsistent character size, natural tapering transitions, and historically appropriate ink behavior on a properly aged substrate. Though the abbreviation or error in the signature (“Timoty”) and lack of supporting provenance modestly reduce certainty, no convincing indicators of modern reproduction or mechanical methods were found.
This evaluation supports a Likely Authentic classification of the autograph.
Submitted Image:
