Have you visited our store? Click here.
This is interesting. Here are two different Frank Thomas autographs on card #3 of the 1993 Leaf Thomas set. The one on the left is official and comes with a certificate of authenticity (COA) while the one on the right comes with nothing at all. I could have the one on the right authenticated (it might be fake) but that wouldn’t make for a very exciting comparison entry now would it? So let’s have a look at what we’ve got here and evaluate something of a comparative analysis between the two autos:
Official (left): This auto is a classic example of a mid 90’s Frank Thomas signature. The characteristics of such are as follows: The start of the F has a bit of a check mark and the top of the F and T is sharp while rounded off at the bases. Both letters are legibly crossed. There’s a hint of writing just after the F to symbolize the rest of his first name. Frank also wrote 35 next to his signature, the F and T are well written and clear.
Unofficial (right): This auto in contrast is a little less pristine. There is no check mark styling to start the F like in the official. There is a sort of rounding of both letter as if written in a hurry (which was likely the case). Much like the official auto, there is a brief hint of text just after the F to characterize the rest of Frank’s first name. Frank also still took the time to write 35 next to his name. Real or Fake?
Question of the Day:
What player do you think has the best looking autograph?
To see what’s currently on eBay from 1993 Leaf Thomas, click here.
Mantle, of course, always had a great signature. Those M’s are unparalleled, as well as his peers, Hank Aaron AND how could you forget Ted Williams. All great signatures, IMHO.
And Babe Ruth.
Oh yea, I totally forgot about Bambino. Good call, Tim 🙂
Agreed indeed! All great sigs. I’ve always thought that Cal Ripken Jr. had a really great signature too.
For pure penmanship and style – I would nominate Andre Dawson. The man’s sig is old school skill and sweet to look at.
Weird coincidence – Dawson was one of the players that Frank Thomas looked up to when growing up. And probably not a coincidence – another football player convert. 🙂
And even though it wasn’t asked – I would put Greg Maddux for ugliest/most illegible autos ever.
I’d have to agree with you Lance, the Dawson sig is pretty classic. As for ugly and somewhat confusing sigs, I’d have to nominate Willie Mays. I don’t know what he’s writing there but those don’t look like W’s and M’s. 😛