Help with autographs – Orlando Magic #32 & Female ice skater from NY

[Sharyn]

I have two photos with signatures that I need help with. I think I know the first one, but I would like verification. It is a photo of an Orlando Magic basketball player, and the signature appears to say #32. I found a website that lists all the players for each number, and the signature appears to match Otis Smith. The problem is that all of Otis Smith’s photos are more current, and I can’t match him to this younger person in the mist of making a shot. In addition, the autograph didn’t match up with one sample I found online.

Here is the photo:
https://imgur.com/a/oAwAL

Here is the reference for uniform #s:
https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/ORL/numbers.html

Then there is this photo of a female ice skater photoshopped with a background of NY city. I’ve used all sorts of word combinations in Google, but can’t find her. Does anyone know who she might be? The last name kind of looks like “Soosh”.
https://imgur.com/a/1ee4f

Unfortunately, the glass broke when I opened up the frame in order to clean it up. I’m not sure what I’m going to do, but I might just sell it as is.

[Winchester38]

I’m not certain, but I’m guessing your Magic player is Shaquille Oneal. He played for the Magic as number 32 for a bit (mid-90’s).

[Sharyn]

Initially, I didn’t think that the photo looked like Shaquille O’Neal, but I’m coming around. I’m seeing some similarities in the autograph compared to what I see online.

My original close up photo of his face came out blurry, so I didn’t include it. I retook it using my phone this time and added it to the imgur link. What do you think?

[AdventureE]

I am almost positive that the ice skater is Michelle Kwan.

https://www.bing.com/search?q=pictures+of+michelle+kwan&form=EDNTHT&mkt=en-us&httpsmsn=1&refig=8466853632fa4faeb5025b045a3ee839&sp=1&qs=SC&pq=pictures+of+michelle+quan&sc=5-25&cvid=8466853632fa4faeb5025b045a3ee839&cc=US&setlang=en-US

[Sharyn]

The lady in the photo and the pictures of Michele do look similar, but I’m not sure. The signature does not look anything like Michele Kwan, although, when someone is signing for an hour or so, their writing can get sloppy. Another thing, though, is that Michele is from California, and I’m not sure why someone would put her with a NY backdrop. Maybe I’m thinking too much into it.

[AdventureE]

Could it be possible that the signature is from the person who put together the picture of the skater against the backdrop? Could it have been a gift and the person who signed it did so for commemorative purposes?

[Sharyn]

Yes, that is possible. If that is the case, I really don’t think that the photo has much value for selling. If I can pin it down as the photographer or someone like that, then maybe.

[Clarity]

I agree, I think it is Shaquille O’Neal too. In the back of the photo you can see Jeff Turner who was playing with the Magic at the same time as Shaquille was. (I’m a basketball nerd. My dad was a huge basketball fan and had season tickets for years. I grew up going to the games with him and got to see lots of great players!)

[Sharyn]

OK, now I’m convinced. I know names and hear about scores, but I don’t follow sports in general and basketball not at all. I didn’t see the match when I originally did my research, but now I think it is him.

[Clarity]

Here’s a shot of Shaquille from the Orlando Magic. It’s got a good shot of his shoes which are the same as in your photo.

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2682774.1466610754!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/gallery_1200/orlando-magic-best-shaquille-o-neal.jpg

[sonia]

yeah, that’s michelle kwan. Signature must be the photographer. Autographs aren’t usually neatly tucked away under the photo like that, but rather written on the photo itself.

[Blackcat]

I agree with the general consensus. Shaq and Michelle. Otis wouldn’t sign his last name first and then his first name. It’s a clear S first name. Young Shaq looks a lot different than old shaq. For more proof try figuring out the background players. If they were on the team at the same time you have a winner.

[Habnab]

I believe that’s the signature of a sports photographer named Walter Iooss. Here’s a listing with his signature, for comparison.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WORLD-FAMOUS-SPORTS-PHOTOGRAPHER-WALTER-IOOSS-SIGNED-BUSINESS-CARD-JORDAN-SI-/311737248847

[Habnab]

Okay, if you scroll across on this page, you’ll see his photos of Michelle Kwan. Definitely your guy.

https://www.annenbergphotospace.org/person/walter-iooss

[Sharyn]

DAAAAMN, you’re good!

Like Sonia said earlier, the signature wasn’t on the photo itself, so perhaps it was the photographer.

Now I have to fix the frame by getting new glass. So, I won’t be listing it right away. I have some glass from a damaged print that I can use. Once upon a time (like 30 years ago), I took a class in framing and the teacher taught us how to cut glass. I didn’t do very well with it, but now there is You Tube. Then again, I might end up selling the photo/autograph as-is.

I do have the Shaquille O’Neil framed photo listed. By the way, the Shaq and the Michelle Kwan framed photos came from the same online auction.

Thanks everyone for all the help!!

• This reply was modified 8 years, 8 months ago by Sharyn.
• This reply was modified 8 years, 8 months ago by Sharyn. Reason: Can't seem to spell Kwan correctly

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