Queen Autographs - how to recognize fake signatures

Freddie's signature - early version	Freddie's signature - late version

Freddie's early signatures looked quite bad :-) This is how Freddie signed roughly from 1973 to 1976. Luckily the fakers imitate Freddie's late signature so if you come across this early version, it's most likely genuine. The big dot above "i" is very characteristic and so is the final "y".	Freddie's signature in late 70's and in the 80's was almost a piece of art - it looks really good to me! Typical are "F", the double "dd", "M" and the final "y". I have never seen any faker doing the "M" and "y" correctly so focus on these letters if you're trying to recognize a fake from an original.

Brian's signature - early version	Brian's signature - late version

Just like Freddie, also Brian signed in a strange way in early and mid 70's :-) And just like in Freddie's case, the fakers luckily focus on his late signature so these early versions are usually genuine. Watch closely "B", "M" and "y".	Brian's signature has been the same since late 70's - and IMO it looks beautiful. It's impossible to fake the first "B" - trust me. Also the "M" has beautiful curves and is typical for Brian.

Roger's signature - early version	Roger's signature - late version

In early and mid 70's, Roger's signature was very similar to the late version with one exception - the curves in "Taylor" were very sharp and close to each other.	Roger's signature is sometimes quick, sometimes precise - and unfortunately it can be faked quite easily. Just like in case of Brian and Roger - watch the first letters ("R" and "T").

John's signature - early version	John's signature - late version

John's signature stayed almost the same. There are two exceptions though. "hn" - the late version is much more common. Also "e" - in the early version was written exactly like the 'euro' sign :)

Other hints for recognizing fakes

if it has a certificate (COA), it's almost 100% fake!!!
a Queen fan club certificate doesn't mean ANYTHING AT ALL - signatures can be genuine or fake!
autographs obtained FOR FREE via the fanclub between 1984 and 1991 are (in our opinion) fake!
autographs BOUGHT in charity auctions at English Conventions are genuine
autographs bought in auctions at non-English Conventions are often fake
if it's a 8x10 photo, it's usually either a reprint or a fake (often both :-)
if it's sold by a "reputable autograph dealer", it's almost certainly fake
if it's signed by a colour marker (green, red, blue), it's almost certainly fake
private eBay auction => the seller usually wants to prevent other people from warning the bidders!
silver markers didn't exist back in the 70's!!!