The physical item
Each submitted photograph is physically examined. We review the signature's visible characteristics, including letter formation, structure, spacing, and style.
Autograph authentication & verification
A closer look
at the signature.
Physical signature examination and certification for collectors, buyers, and enthusiasts of signed photographs.
Each autograph is examined in hand and compared with known examples. Autographs that pass receive a Certificate of Authenticity and an online registry record.
Ink Vault Registry
Certificate of
Authenticity
The signature.
Examined. Compared. Documented.
Physical examination · Registry record
SAMPLE CERTIFICATE
Our process
From examination
to certification.
A focused review of the autograph on the physical photograph, supported by comparison with reference examples of the named artist's signature.
The reference signatures
The autograph is compared with reference examples of the named artist's signature. Similarities and inconsistencies inform our assessment.
The Certificate of Authenticity
Items that meet our authentication criteria receive a Certificate of Authenticity and a QR code sticker linked to the corresponding registry record.
Certification
A certificate on record.
A link to the item.
The Certificate of Authenticity documents our findings from physical examination and signature comparison. Its QR code connects the photograph to its registry information.
- Certificate numberThe record identifier
- PhotographThe examined item
- Signature detailsThe named artist or artists
Certificate verification
Start with the number.
Or scan the code.
Enter the number from your certificate or sticker, or scan the QR code, to open the record. Then check the photo against the item in front of you.
A few helpful details
About the review.
Do you examine the original photograph?
Yes. We physically examine the submitted photograph and compare its signature with reference examples.
What does the certificate mean?
That our authenticators examined the item in hand, compared the signature with known examples, and judged it genuine. Each certificate is tied to one item and its registry record.
Do you witness the signing?
No. We authenticate after the fact, by examining the signed item itself.
What is the QR code sticker for?
The QR code opens the registry record for that item — photograph, signature details, and certification information.
Does a record cover other copies of the same photo?
No. Each record covers one item: the one pictured. Check that the piece in front of you matches the photo.
Are you independent?
Yes. We don't buy, sell or appraise autographs, and we aren't connected to any signer, studio or other authentication company. We have no stake in the result.