I have collected Mark Brunell cards and memorabilia since 1998 and have approximately 500 autographs of his on various items such as cards, helmets, jerseys, photos, etc. These autographs I have are dated from as early as 1991 when he lead the Washington Huskies in the Rose Bowl to the present date 2007. I'm not an "expert," but I've certainly studied and seen my share of his signatures for nearly a decade.

When autographs come directly from the trading card companies such as Upper Deck, Playoff, Fleer and Topps, I have no problem with the signatues. They ARE authentic.

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So in this guide, I will try to help identify whether autographs obtained from "private signings, thru the mail requests, charity auctions and in person" are REAL OR FAKE!!! This is an area where the autographs may cost alot less than a "Card Company CERTIFIED autograph", but the authenticity of these are QUESTIONABLE.

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Over the course of 16 years, Mark Brunell has NOT significantly altered his signature! He is one of the most patient and consistent signers, so his autograph is never sloppy!

Here's some quick observations about his autographs. Prior to 1997, his autographs ended with a "L" that had a curl to it - 1996 Laserview Inscriptions is an example. After 1997, his autographs ended with a flat line tail "L". In addition, any autos of his that use a regular "M" are FAKE as Brunell always does his signature "M" that looks like a check mark with a loop (which the fakers make mistakes on ALL the time). His "k" is also fairly unique in that he rarely finishes it off "the traditional way"! There are other KEY points in most of the letters in his name, but you really need a good eye to spot them.

Another KEY FACT is Mark Brunell has respectfully refused all "thru the mail" autograph request since 1997! This is when he started replacing those request with his personal "autograph biblical" card. Lastly, autographs signed with a fat sharpie/marker generally "hide" these finer points!

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Here are examples his signatures: 

AUTHENTIC (below)

 

VS FAKE!!

I bought this "FAKE" years ago when I didn't pay attention to details...(my mistake). Specifically, this particular "type" of auto originates from the United Kingdom.  The seller has a immaculate 100% feedback, but don't be fooled! He continues to offer these forged autos to this day.

FAKE:

Another fake that found it's way into my collection! The MOST common FAKE that is seen on ebay come from this "signer" ...originates from Ohio...a lot of cards with this particular signature have been sold to NUMEROUS dealers through out the USA. BE CAREFUL!!!

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AUTHENTIC:

VS FAKE:

Yet another "FAKE" that I bought years ago. This particular "auto" is slightly tougher to spot, but one that misses on key elements and "writing style". There are many examples of these autos floating on ebay. Generally states "auto was obtained "...via PURCHASED collection..." -- a dead give a way in terms of "playing innocent victim."

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Above are the THREE most common forged signatures of Mark Brunell. Unfortunately for me, I HAD over 30 of these fakes in my collection before I labeled them as inconsistant.

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A fake AUTOGRAPH authenticated by GAI, so even the Grading companies make mistakes!!!

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Here's are some down right "funny ones" -- unfortunately each one of these were purchased by other unsuspecting ebay buyers!!!

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Pictured below is one of the Mark Brunell Christian Faith Bible cards!

Bottomline, always be careful of buying "In Person/Through the Mail" autographs UNLESS you can verify the autograph 100%. Although many of these sellers offer you HOME MADE Certificate of Authenticity, include freebies, or offer refunds, the catch is they expect you NOT to know the truth; therefore, you won't complain/return it! My ultimate goal here is to inform YOU of these forgeries, help YOU identify them and hopefully to save YOU MONEY!

I hope this guide was informative, insightful and useful! Thank you for your time and I hope I get a "helpful" vote!!