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Autographs

Tracking Down Genuine Autographs

Collecting Autographs: What You Should Know

While autographs are most closely associated with signatures, the term actually refers to handwritten documents.

Collecting autographs, or philography, has been a popular hobby for centuries.

Many autographs are quite valuable, as collectors are willing to pay high dollars for the signatures of their favorite celebrities. In 1992, a Lincoln autograph dated a month before his death sold for $1.3 million.

Unlike most other collectible items, however, the authenticity of autographs can be difficult to determine. There is a large market in frauds, and collectors are advised to be alert.

Here is a brief overview of the hobby and suggestions on protecting yourself from fraud.

In Person Autographs

To many collectors, the best autographs of all are those that are collected in person.

Depending on your area of celebrity interest, this method of collecting may range from easy to nearly impossible.

For example, many science fiction actors, directors and novelists regularly visit sci-fi conventions. Autograph signings are frequently a part of the festivities, allowing you to meet your favorite stars and collect their autographs for the price of a ticket to the convention and some of your time.

Novelists also tend to do book signing tours, which may net you an autograph for only the price of a copy of the book and a long wait in line.

Of late, baseball stars have been signing balls and other memorabilia at sports shows - for a price.

(Some of them wound up in deep trouble with the IRS for forgetting about they money they earned doing this, which was, in many cases, quite substantial.

On the other hand, it may be next to impossible to get close to a major movie star or public official. Legions of fans tend to camp out in locations where they have heard a star will be, only to be pushed back by the celebrity’s security team before he or she exits the building.

Autograph Collecting by Mail

Many collectors have had reasonable success in receiving autographs from written requests. It is usually recommended that you send a 3x5 index card or small photograph of the celebrity along with a one page letter and a self addressed, stamped envelope.

Be cautious of sending gifts or unusual items to be signed, however, as celebrities are increasingly concerned over the possibility of stalking.

Keep your letter short and professional, and avoid being too personal.

Unfortunately, you can't be sure if the autograph was not made by machine or a minion with a knack for duplicating the celebrity's signature.

Autograph Dealers

There are many legitimate autograph dealers working out of storefronts and over the internet.

However, frauds make their way into the market on a daily basis.

Before shelling out a lot of cash for an autograph, have the piece authenticated by a third party. Do not accept the word or written authentication of the dealer unless you have specific reason to trust him or her.

Be especially skeptical of autographs sold by individuals online. Although many of these are legitimate, a number of fakes have been reported.

Autopens, Proxy Signing and Rubber Stamps

Celebrities are extremely busy, and usually overwhelmed with mail. They may use numerous methods to help relieve the burden of signing autographs.

An Autopen is a mechanical device that can mimic any signature.

Presidents and astronauts are among the groups most commonly known to use these devices.

Rubber stamps are an older technology, and are less common today.

. Proxy signing occurs when someone close to the celebrity is authorized to sign in his or her stead. Some proxy signatures look extremely similar to the celebrity’s own autograph, while some are not even close.

Compare the autograph in question to a known copy of the celebrity’s actual autograph.

The Bottom Line

Unfortunately, fraud is rampant in this field and, since many get away with it, it has become a major problem.

The more valuable the signature the more caution must be exercised. Do not hesitate to contact an expert before shelling out lots of money.

If you are dealing with established dealers and auction houses, they should be able to give you proof of authenticity and even a provenance for the autograph.

But, it can be a daunting task for even the best experts to determine whether an autograph is legitimate.

Before buying or selling a high-dollar autograph, it is always best to have it authenticated by an expert.

Collecting autographs can be an exciting hobby, but remember that the only way to be 100% certain that an autograph is legitimate is to collect it yourself from your favorite star.

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