Identifying Autopens : Autopen Traits

2.2 No variation in line width / ink flow

The lack of variation in line width and ink flow doesn't only apply to the end of strokes. In real signatures there is often a distinct variation in line width and ink flow as the pen is moved faster in certain parts of the signature, particularly in 'flourishes' such as large loops. The angle of the pen on the paper also changes throughout a signature when drawn by hand and this too can affect the thickness and density of individual parts of the signature.

By contrast the writing instrument in an autopen machine is held at the same angle throughout the signature and always moves at a constant speed, which means that the resulting autograph will show little or no variation in line width. The same is true of the pressure of the pen on the paper - an autopenned signature that leaves an indentation on the surface of the paper will show no variation in the depth of the indentation throughout the signature, unlike a genuine hand-signed example.

Although autopenned signatures nearly always have this characteristic constant line width, there are exceptions. The example shown on the right below looks deceptively natural, with the horizontal strokes appearing to get lighter towards the ends. In this case, however, the signature fits the autopen pattern exactly. I suspect that the appearance of this signature may be due to the ink flow of the pen used. As the ink was drying up it left fainter marks towards the end of each stroke.