I have some correspondence verified as Hughes' and will compare the signatures Friday if you all are interested.

May I ask what year it is from, if that is known?

Hughes wasn't known for his recognition of holidays. He fled Vegas near Thanksgiving and never celebrated his birthday later in life.

Bottom line - I doubt it's Hughes' actual signature. Just my gut feeling, knowing a fair amount about him, his life and his death.

I am not questioning the honesty of the seller, just saying that in the grand scheme of things, Hughes wasn't big on sending Christmas cards. The year has a large bearing as well.

Little known Hughes fact - Howard Robard Hughes was born, not on Christmas eve, but three months earlier. I have a copy of his baptismal certificate to the first 3 Hughes fans who ask - free of charge.