ABOUT

Sean Murphy started his professional career in handwriting authentication in 2004. Sean has examined over 250,000 items in his career, and continues to raise the bar in methods, technology and service. Sean Murphy’s career was born out of experience and love for the autograph collecting hobby. Sean first started collecting autographs as a child, with his first ever autograph coming from Hulk Hogan in 1992 when he was just 8 years old. He has since obtained and collected over 15,000 autographs in person from celebrities all over the world. He has been employed as a witness to over 500 private signings in 20 states, and has issued his official letterhead of authenticity to hundreds of various companies all over North America. In addition to that, Sean has been trusted by just over 50,000 customers worldwide with his extensive knowledge and experience.

Sean has worked with various law enforcement agencies in the United States, and called to testify & opine as an expert in many court cases to determine beyond a reasonable doubt if a questioned document, or questioned handwriting is a forgery or authentic and genuine. Sean is fully court-certified and board-certified. Sean’s opinion is considered as fact in any case in any official/legal setting.

PROCESS

Every autograph submitted goes through a rigorous examination that employs some of the best technology to date. Each autograph is independently and carefully examined based on forensic science methods which include: object evaluation, ink/medium analysis, side-by-side comparisons to known genuine examples, letter slant & flow, authority, and many other criteria. Sean also has an extensive exemplar database that outlines autographs based on surroundings. Autographs signed at private signings, or in a comfortable setting will be much fuller and more methodically signed than a rushed/sloppy signature signed while the celebrity is running to their limo. Sean has the technology to determine without a reasonable doubt if that signature, regardless of the situation is authentically signed.

Sean also uses a VSC (Video Spectral Comparator)  which serves to reinforce his findings and conclusions. This state-of-the-art technology allows infrared technology, coaxial lighting, magnification, overlay comparison, etc. This helps detect erasures, faded autographs, ink types, preprints, copies, and several other signs that can determine authenticity/forgery that the naked eye cannot determine.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Forensic Document Examiners Board (2005)

American Society for Testing Materials

International Forensic Crimes Association

International Association for Identification

EDUCATION

Arizona State University – PSM (Forensic Science)

National Academy of Forensic Examiners (Branson, Missouri)

Tri-State Annual Education Conference

CERTIFICATIONS

Board Certified – Forensic Examiners Association (2005)

Board Certified – Board of Forensic Document Examiners (2007)

Court Certified – National Handwriting Forensic Association (2007)