Autograph Anatomy: Steve Carlton
Introduction:
Steve Carlton has been a baseball star since the late 1960's when he played on some great St. Louis Cardinals teams. As a reasonably priced mainstay on the collectible show circuit since 1994, the previously "reclusive" Carlton has probably signed approximately 1,000,000 autographs in his lifetime - with surprising consistency. This study will review a few signature variations present as his career progressed, as well as the consistencies in some letter formations throughout the years.
Player Autograph:
Below: Autograph samples through Carlton's career. L to R - 1967, 1972, 1989 and current
- The "S"
One thing that stands out when looking at his signature from his playing career is that the shape of the "S" in "Steve" is much different than the current one. As young player it was formed in the more traditional way, then slowly modified in the early 1970s to include a loop at bottom of the letter bends downward, as compared to the way it loops up in a "smile-like" fashion today.
- The "T"
A big consistency throughout the years has been Lefty's formation of the lower-case "t" in "Steve". Though sometimes writing in a more technically correct manner, he always skimmed the top of upswing with his cross.
- The "C"
One of the most identifiable letters for collectors of Phillies autographs, Carlton's last name has always started with that unique straight line upward, followed by a hitch before starting the downward half circle of "The C".
Inscriptions:
Price Guide:
- Baseball Card - $20
- 8x10 Photo - $30-35
- HOF Plaque Postcard - $35
- Single-signed Baseball - $50
- Signed Bat - $100