Al Stewart
Folk-Rock Singer-Songwriter and Musician · Music - Folk-Rock / Soft Rock
RCA / Arista Records / Sony Music
Era
Modern Era - circa 2000s-2020s
Item Type
Album Art Print or Insert
Condition
Excellent - The signature is bold, dark, and shows no signs of fading; the paper has minor edge handling wear
Rarity
Common; Stewart is a prolific and gracious signer who frequently meets fans after shows
Overall Assessment
A classic, high-quality example of a legendary folk artist's signature on his most iconic imagery. Ideal for a 70s rock enthusiast.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (95%+ confidence level)
Signature Style
Cursive script with a distinctively large, looped 'A' and a stylized 'S' that drops into a long flourish
Signature Characteristics
Fluid motion with no hesitation marks; the 'A' is oversized; the 'Stewart' is compressed with a descending 'S' and an ascending final stroke
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie-style) on glossy paper substrate
Item Description
A signed section of the cover art for the 1976 album 'Year of the Cat', specifically showing the vanity table illustration by Hipgnosis
Estimated Value
$40.00 - $75.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches post-2000 exemplars perfectly, showing the simplified, more rapid style compared to his 1970s full-letter signatures
Authentication Tips
Look for the single-stroke 'A' that crosses itself and the way the 't' at the end of Stewart usually lacks a distinct crossbar, blending into the final flourish
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) or JSA (James Spence Authentication)
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the flow is natural and the ink saturation is consistent with a genuine hand-signed mark
Provenance Notes
Most likely obtained at a 'meet and greet' or merchandise table during a small venue tour
Historical Context
The 'Year of the Cat' album was Stewart's commercial peak, hitting Platinum status in 1976 and defining the sophisticated 'sophisti-pop' sound
Market Trends
Stable; Stewart has a dedicated cult following, but prices for his signature remain accessible due to high supply
Investment Potential
Low - moderate; primarily a collectible for fans rather than a high-growth financial asset
Similar Autographs
Cat Stevens, Donovan, Gerry Rafferty, or Alan Parsons (who produced 'Year of the Cat')
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the black ink from turning purple/brown; use UV-protective glass if framing
Interesting Facts
Stewart is a famous collector of fine wines and historical trivia, which often reflects in his detailed, history-themed lyrics