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Autopen: A Fake Autograph

Celebrities have many different options when autographing memorabilia; the act of physically signing an object is fading into extinction. This trend is creating a difficult environment for collectors to find a "real" autograph. When receiving autographs by mail or other exchanges, it is important to verify that the signature was done by the actual celebrity. Celebrities who opt to use an alternate method for autographs, most commonly use the "autopen" approach.

Autopen refers to a machine that can duplicate a signature many times. A signature is copied onto a template and is then inserted into a machine. The machine can be used to print the signature onto any photograph or memorabilia.

The way to tell when an autopen was used is if the ink has a lack of natural flow, the signature is shaky or there are inconsistent ink blotches. The blotches are a result of the marker in the autopen machine coming to an abrupt halt at the end and resting in one spot before being lifted off. Each autopen signature will look exactly alike, which is unnatural for the human hand to perform.

The autopen was developed by John Isaac Hawkins in 1803. Thomas Jefferson was one of the first to start using the device in 1804 for autograph collecting. Harry Truman is believed to be the first President to use the autopen in a business way for mail and signing checks. Today this device is used by politicians and fundraisers to sign letters.

If you are an autograph collector, you should try to verify the signature by comparing the one in question to one that has been authenticated.
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