You have to be really careful with Reagan autographs, as he had a secretary sign for him both before and after he was in the White House.

Also, the story doesn't really make sense. He left, had the photo developed, then went back to the White House? I can't see that happening--usually once you're in you're in and if you leave you're out when they have events.

Anybody have any thoughts on how to figure out if this signature is authentic? Any insight would be appreciated.

I picked up a signed 5 x 7 of the former president on Ebay for $45. The guy I bought it from is from Dixon, IL (the president's birthplace). He said that several people from Dixon were invited to a Rose Garden ceremony in 1981. He said he snapped the photo during the ceremony, took it to a downtown photo finisher, and had President Reagan sign it later in the day at a luncheon.

It is obvious the photo was taken by a spectator in the Rose Garden. The signature looks authentic when compared to every Reagan signature I can find by searching Google. If it is real, I think I've found a real bargain.