Carpenters Autographs
So you're on the hunt for a genuine Carpenters autograph. A record hand signed by Karen and Richard at a concert, or maybe a promotional photo. Or perhaps you already have one, and would like to know if it is genuine. Here is the place to find out. The following are many different examples of Karen and Richard Carpenter's autographs. Don't despair if yours doesn't match these exactly- their signatures changed over the years, particularly Karen's.
As she matured, so did her cursive script. Note the significant differences in the autographs below.
A very
early signature, from a
Ticket to Ride LP in 1970....
Ticket to Ride LP in 1970....
On a glass wall in Japan, 1974....
Note to an eyewear shop in
1978...
A thankyou note on Fan Club stationery from 1981.
You will find Karen's autograph is forged more often than Richard's, as his is still relatively easy to obtain on sites such as eBay.
Richard's signature hasn't changed much over the years. Compare this one from 1976....
......to this one from 1994.
The majority of Richard's autographs in recent years are dated. He seems to have started this some time in the 1980's.
The Carpenters often accompanied their signatures with little phrases.
Karen would sometimes add 'Close to You', while Richard often added 'Best Always!', such as on this drum skin.
Another way was 'Hi! "Carpenters" Karen & Richard'. Karen would write the 'Hi', sign her name, and give it to Richard.
It's quite often easy to tell who has written their surname. Richard starts the 'C' with a downwards stroke and large loop underneath....
......whereas Karen started hers with a curly loop at the top.
Carpenters promotional photos were issued en masse by the fan club with the autographs pre-printed. These are a lovely item to frame and hang on your wall, and are a fraction of the cost of an original signature.
Other signed Carpenters items:
Baseball from one their 1973 charity baseball games.
Legal contracts....
And pre-printed postcards from the fan club.
Baseball from one their 1973 charity baseball games.
Legal contracts....
And pre-printed postcards from the fan club.
Unfortunately there are people out there who try to pass off
forgeries as genuine autographs, mostly on eBay. The main
thing to keep an eye out for when investing your money in a Carpenters
autograph is whether it looks fluent. Does it look
like the writer has stopped in the middle of letter, as if they are
attempting to copy off something? Another indication can
be the number of bids on an auction. If it has a low price
and few or no bids a fair way into the auction, chances are that other buyers also
know it's a fake. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
I am more than happy to help with evaluating Carpenters autographs, or answer any questions you might have.
Please note: This page is intended solely as a guide. Opinions expressed are my own, and I
cannot be held responsible for purchases based on the
information provided on this page.
If you are at all in doubt about any autograph you are considering purchasing, please email me first with any questions and I will do my best to answer them.
I am more than happy to help with evaluating Carpenters autographs, or answer any questions you might have.
If you are at all in doubt about any autograph you are considering purchasing, please email me first with any questions and I will do my best to answer them.
KarenCarpenter.com is a fan site owned and operated by for the purpose of celebrating the Carpenters and their music. We are not affiliated in any way with "Carpenters", Richard Carpenter or A&M Records. All material is copyright their respective owners.
This page last updated March 2, 2010.