We have revamped this post for 2022. Find the new version here: How to spot a fake signature? – Revisited

Over the course of the year, we get to frame hundreds and hundreds of items of memorabilia. Anything from signed boxing shorts to match worn football shirts we do it all. We also have a lot of customers ask us how to spot a fake when they are looking to buy memorabilia.

We have put together this quick guide to help you stop a fake and make sure you don’t get ripped off when purchasing signed sports memorabilia. 

1. Where are you buying from?

If you scroll through eBay you will manage to see a massive array of ‘signed’ or ‘match worn’ sporting items, where unfortunately most of them are fake. You can find some gems on eBay, however, often products are not monitored so the market is flooded. It is important to check the seller, with all previous feedback and see if they come upon any other google searches. 

Another way of finding out more information is to ask the seller how and where this is been signed and if they have any photos of the signing, many shirts have a back story and this can help you understand whether the seller is selling a genuine product. 

To be absolutely sure items are real there are many companies that offer sit down signing sessions such as Icons.com. They have been selling memorabilia for years, and they have full sit down signing sessions with players such as Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Matt Le Tissier. 

2. What’s the chance of it being faked? 

Let’s face it.. as much as we are all massive Plymouth fans… the chances are going to be pretty slim in someone faking an argyle shirt. Understand the item you are buying and see how likely it would be to be faked. Everyone wants a signed Leo Messi shirt, and it’s it seems to good to be true it probably is. 

3. The nib of the pen.

One of the most common ways to spot a multi-signed fake shirt is the nib of the pen. If someone if faking a shirt the chances are they will sit down and fake every signature start to finish without moving the pen from their hand. This will mean that the pressure of the pen and the angle will stay consistent within the shirt.  In reality, if a shirt is passed around a changing room, players will pick the shirt up from different angles meaning the thickness of the nib will differentiate between signatures as well as the colour from the pressure exerted.

4. Just because its pre-framed doesn’t mean its real…

Counterfeiters will often frame shirts before selling, we refuse to work with any businesses that we believe to be selling counterfeit goods.  But we often see fake pre-framed shirts which customers ask us to reframe. Just because it looks great, does not mean it’s real this gives counterfeiters an excuse to increase prices to make it seem like the item you paying the right price for genuine items.

We have even seen shirts that come with a certificate of authentication which states that ‘the shirt had been signed by a mechanical pen and is an example of a genuine signature’. Very Sneaky.

5. Do your research. 

Most signatures can be found online nowadays and everyone will have a particular swirl, style in their and writing take your time compare from what you find on other websites and look for obvious styles which match. 

6. Certificates 

Anyone can fake a certificate these can be made quite easily nowadays on the website such as canva and a lot of the time your memorabilia is only worth the certificate which comes with it. Check out where the company is based, how long it has been running and be sure to check any reviews left on google/social media.

Once you have followed these steps and secured an item that is genuine you can treasure. Take a look at our Framing Options through the link below which will allow you to display your memorabilia in the best way possible.

www.shirtframingservice.co.uk