Angle and Pressure

The pen’s pressure and angle indicate how much force was applied during the execution. A forgery often exhibits uneven pressure, where some parts appear darker and others lighter depending on how hard or lightly the person pressed the pen.

How Do We Identify the Angle?

When examining an autograph, it can be important to identify the type of pen used. A key aspect of this analysis is determining the tip whether it is a “Sharpie” with a pointed tip or a marker with a flat tip. Autographs can also be written with a ballpoint pen, which is significantly easier to identify.

The first step in this assessment is to examine the strokes left by the pen. Special attention should be paid to three specific points in the writing.

• Where the line start
• Where the line end
• All dots 

We look for specific signs: pen presses, dot-like impressions, or indications that the pen was lifted from the surface. If all three points display a simple, rounded “dot formation” without variation in angle or width, this strongly suggests that the pen had a pointed tip, which we refer to as a Sharpie. It is common that at the end of a stroke, the execution is elongated and the speed is at its fastest. In such cases, it can sometimes be difficult to discern the exact shape of the tip.

If the three points start, finish, and dots exhibit one or more angular shapes, we have identified the pen as a marker and can completely rule out the possibility of a Sharpie.

How Do We Identify the Pressure?

Pressure reveals how hard the pen was pressed. It is identified primarily by examining the amount of ink and the width of the lines. High pressure produces a consistent, saturated result with few variations in line width, while low pressure is often visible where the ink is faint or partially missing. Especially at the beginning or end of strokes, or where the movement is fast, reduced pressure can result in thinner, lighter areas.

It is important to remember, however, that speed affects the amount of ink – you can read more about this in “Speed & Rhythm”.

Speed & Rhythm

When verifying an autograph, we examine speed. A forgery often has inconsistent speed, where some parts of the autograph appear faster or slower than others. Rhythm is also an important factor to identify, as we look for the person’s natural flow. A forged signature may closely mimic speed but completely lack the execution of the person’s feel and rhythm.

Execution Speed

To get a complete picture of an autograph’s execution, it is crucial to also analyze the speed. Speed affects not only the shape of the lines but also the amount of ink in the strokes. Pressure and speed are analyzed together, as the amount of ink in a stroke is influenced by the speed.

High speed can result in thinner or more uneven lines, similar to the effect of light pressure. In contrast, a slower, more controlled movement often produces a deeper ink impression and more defined line work.

When identify the speed, it is especially important to observe:

• Line endings: Here the speed often increases, which can result in an elongated, lightly shaded finish.

• Larger loops or sweeping movements: These are usually executed faster than tighter parts of the signature, resulting in a more flowing, lighter line with reduced ink flow.

• Overall speed: Where does the person increase or decrease their speed? Is there precision in the movements where the speed varies, or is it consistent?

Overall Rhythm

The rhythm in an autograph helps you understand the overall execution. Rhythm can be described as the internal flow of the writing, where pauses and accelerations can reveal a lot about the person’s mental state. Successfully identifying this can be extremely challenging and sometimes impossible.

Rhythm can be likened to a conductor’s movements a kind of subconscious musicality that shapes the character of the autograph. Each person has their own “melody” in writing, where the rhythm is expressed in how lines alternate between slower and faster sections. This creates a personal and often unconscious structure.

To identify the rhythm, the following are analyzed:

• Variations in speed and pressure: Rhythm arises from the interaction between these two factors.

• Line pattern: Smooth sequences, repetitions, and flow versus interruptions and inconsistency.

• Overall impression: An autograph with natural rhythm often feels balanced and lively.

Rhythm is therefore not just technical it is emotional. It reflects not only how an autograph is created, but sometimes also why it appears the way it does.

Movement Patterns & Shapes

Look for characteristic features: every autograph has specific traits that make it unique and distinctive. Search for curves and shapes that match the person’s style. Also, take note of the size and form of the letters, as well as the pressure used in the autograph’s overall flow.

The Person’s Movement Pattern

Every autograph carries a unique expression, shaped by the person’s individual movement pattern and style. Just like a face or a voice, the signature is a personal identifier—a result shaped by muscle memory and choices in execution, combined with repetition.

The first step in this analysis is to observe curves, angles, and recurring shapes. These visual features, sometimes small and subtle, act as the “person’s fingerprint.” They reflect the natural rhythm, hand movements, and sense of form.

Special attention should be paid to:

• Letter size and proportions: Are they excessively large, small, compact, or elongated?

• Variations: Recurring shapes, such as rounded or pointed strokes—are the shapes relative to each other of the same proportion?

• Overall flow: How does the movement flow? Is the pressure even or variable? This helps in understanding both the feel and control of the writing.

The Importance of Shape

Rounded, pointed, angular, or irregular shapes arise as a direct result of the person’s movement pattern, speed, and habit in executing their autograph.

When assessing shape, we focus on:

• Continuity: Does the same shape appear throughout the autograph?

• Balance: Are the shapes proportional, or do they vary significantly?

• Distinctive features: Is there anything that stands out—for example, an extra curve or an exaggerated arc?

The shapes are not random; they are a reflection of how the individual thinks and moves. In an authentic autograph, these structures arise naturally and unconsciously, which is why they are difficult to replicate exactly.

Compare with Known Examples

Comparing an autograph with a known and verified example is the most commonly used and one of the most reliable ways to confirm its authenticity. If you have access to a previous example written by the same person, you can compare the signature to it. Look for similarities in style, patterns, and appearance.

The Person’s Movement Pattern

An important part of the authentication process is comparing the autograph with previously verified examples. Studying signatures from different periods of the person’s life, from early fame to the present, can be a key factor in verifying the autograph.

Everyone develops their signature over time. This can be due to increased writing experience, time constraints, changing circumstances, or physical factors such as age and handwriting fatigue. Some changes occur gradually and follow a consistent pattern, while others happen suddenly, often in connection with altered habits or increased fame.

When comparing, it is important to analyze:

• When and how the shape has changed: Have the letters become simpler, the pressure weaker, or the rhythm more forced?

• Consistency within each period: Even if a signature has changed over time, it should display internal consistency within each time frame.

• Unique features that have been preserved: Certain small traits or movements often persist throughout—these are especially valuable for identification.

Dating an autograph or at least placing it in the correct period can be crucial for understanding its origin. The more clearly the execution can be linked to a specific timeframe, the more confidently we can ensure the verification.