El Cid Signature

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How to detect forged autographs

The origins of the autograph

An autograph may be defined as “any manuscript handwritten by its author; a handwritten signature especially the signature of a famous or admired person.

The origins of autographs can be traced back to sixth century ancient Greece however none survive from this period, in fact The earliest autograph, signature of a famous person is probably the Spanish national hero and military leader El Cid  dated 1096 three years before his death.

An autograph is now a major part in sports memorabilia collection.

.Autographs of most of the great Renaissance figures, includingLeanardo da Vince, Michelangelo and Ariosto. Still exist however autograph material was to become more prevalent during the 18th century with examples such as George Washington president of the USA or the composer Mozart’s manuscripts.

A signed letter is more desirable than an autograph as usually the letter contains aspects of the person’s life and work which is why they are so collectable.

Autograph collation today

 The hobby of collecting autographs is known as philography

A Philographist or autograph hunter may well focus in one specialised area and only collect signatures and associated paraphernalia from say, sports events, personalities, writers, political figures, art, film, music, world leaders, space travel or conflict etc.

 Autograph collation is an ever popular and rewarding occupation for the professional and amateur alike, the objective being to aspire to obtaining complete sets from each area of their subject in the case of say sports memorabilia, cricket the 1948 Ashes series, the ink autographs of both England and Australians teams on one official programme, bat or scorecard used at the event would be more desirable than a mismatch.

Is it a genuine autograph?

There are numerous forged autographs for sale all over the world not least on the internet and it is a case of buyer beware.

Autograph collectors often request from the vendor certificates of authenticity it stands to reason that if the seller of a forged item is offering a COA that the certificate is also worthless. It is not a good idea to rely on either guarantees or certificates.

Spanish Knights, El Cid, Juan de Urbieta, Suero de Quiñones

The quest for El Cid

Characters in Epic Poems, El Cid, William of Gellone, Aymeri de Narbonne, Girart de Vienne

Catalogue

Bibliotheca hispana, a catalogue of books in Castilian, Catalan, Portuguese, or otherwise of Spanish interest...