Signatures

Here is a collection of Arthur Conan Doyle's signatures from his letters or from his dedicaces.

Conan Doyle usually exclusively signed "A. Conan Doyle" until 1903 and a mix of "A. Conan Doyle" and "Arthur Conan Doyle" after 1903, but he also signed on rare occasions "A.", "A. C. D.", "A. C. Doyle", "Arthur Conan Doyle, M.D." But he never used "Sir" in a signature (actually only once in a dedicace).

Authentication

His signature is easy to authenticate. Here is some basic rules :

The A of "Arthur" existed in 2 forms : curved (1893~1925) and straight (1889~1904 and 1925~1930) .

The "t" bar of "Arthur" is almost always separate from the "t" and placed to the "right" of the "h" .

The D of "Doyle" has a typical form : the bottom has two curves and the top a loop linked to the "o".

The "o" and "y" of Doyle are always linked. With "y" like a "4" . Often the "le" was clearly separated from the "Doy".

The form of the "Doyle" evolved in 3 phases :
- "Doyle" with a well written "y" (1880s-1904)
- "Doyle" with an "y" as a single line (1904-1925)
- "Doyle" not very well written with an "o" and "y" as a single sign (1926-1930)

There is exceptions to all this rules. Better written when Conan Doyle tried his best or when he had time, and worst written when he was in a hurry. A complete authentication must be supplemented with the study of the rest of the letter or dedicace.

How he "autograph" and how he "doesgraph"

In a Daily Mirror article (11 april 1904), Arthur Conan Doyle was asked how he should autograph and how he does autograph :

However the truth is rather a mix of both forms as seen below.

Conan Doyle's signatures written by himself

Below are only dated signatures. Click on images to see the full letter.

1889

1890

1891

1892

1893

1894

1895

1896

1897

1898

1900

1901

1902

1903

1904

1905

1909

1910

1911

1912

1914

1915

1916

1919

1920

1921

1922

1923

1924

1925

1926

1927

1928

1929

1930

Conan Doyle's signatures written by Alfred H. Wood

Alfred H. Wood was the secretary of Arthur Conan Doyle from 1897 to 1930. Conan Doyle dictated him some letters which Wood will sign for Arthur Conan Doyle with most of the time his tiny monogram "W." then "A.H.W." underneath the signature.

1904