Autograph Collecting: Questions and Answers

Question: I want to start causing requests to celebrities for autographs, what should I include in the letter?

Answer: Once writing a letter to a celebrity, it is best to write no more than one page. Though celebrities may be excited that you appreciate their work, or likeable their acting in a certain TV show or movie, they just do not have enough time to see multi-page letters from fans. Also, once writing to a celebrity, try to include several specific references to their activity that you particularly enjoy. Be really specific in your descriptions. Mention character names that they have compete and movies in which they have asterisked or appeared. This does a more better impression than just simply saying... "I enjoy all your movies. Send me an autograph". Be courteous and respectful. My experience has been that celebrities are truly affected with kind treatment from their fans and they normally reward it.

Question: I’m a beginner once it comes to autograph collecting. What type of autographs should I purchase?

Answer: Buy autographs that capture your interest. Don’t purchase items bestowed as “investments� or oversubscribed through pressure. Discover as more as possible the language of autograph collecting. The more you study, the easier it wish be for you to determine what items are authentic and which items to purchase. Use common sense once buying a signed piece. If the cost is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase signed items from esteemed dealers, who wish help you avoid risks and problems. Most dealers offer a certificate of authenticity, which is only as good as the reputation of the dealer. If the dealer cannot tell you once and wherever the item was signed or how it was obtained, go elsewhere.

Question: How do you determine the cost or value of your autographs?

Answer: Some factors go into crucial the cost of an signed item. The content of the photograph (is this person acknowledged for his/her role shown in photo) and how difficult it is to obtain the autograph. Condition and market are besides factors considered in pricing. Demand besides has to be considered, especially if the celebrity has become more popular and the demand has accrued suddenly. Examples recently include celebrities such as Rebel Depp, Hilary Duff, Viggo Mortensen, City Bloom and Bruce Springsteen. Each has either had a really booming film, tour or CD. Here is a breakdown for crucial value.

1) Who has signed the autograph? The key words here are "demand" and "scarcity." If a particular person's autograph is in high demand and it happens to be a scarce autograph, then you can expect it to have good value. This is why an autograph of Marilyn Monroe sells for over several thousands of dollars. She remains popular and her name is in great demand. Her autographs are scarce once compared to those of entertainers Martyr Burns, Jimmy Stewart or Joan Crawford, all of whom were about galore decades longer to sign autographs for fans.

2) What item has been signed? A simple name on an album page, menu, airline ticket or piece of paper is normally worth less than a signed document, signed photo, typewritten or written letter. This is because it is the most common type of autograph. All things being equal, a written signed letter demands a premium since not only does it have a name signed at the end but may besides reveal thing interesting, historical, or personal just about the writer. Thus, you're acquiring more than just a name signed on paper.

3) Is the name in ink, pencil or otherwise? Ink is worth more than pencil. Pencil can fade over time and normally isn't as dark and bold as a good ink signature. Galore collectors prefer and wish pay more for ink signatures. But don't take this to mean pencil signatures don't have value. The great Apache Indian chief Apache signed pencil autographs at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. Now those pencil signatures on small cards can sell for at least $5,000. Today, most collectors prefer that photos and non-flat items be signed in sharpie or paint pen.

4) What is the condition of the autograph? Any damage to the autograph, photograph or paper wish lower value. Smears, stains, creases, smudges, fading, tears, holes or another damage wish always drop the value of an autograph. To get top dollar and maximum value autographs must be in first-class condition.

There are several another small variables that can move into play once attempting to place a value on an autograph, but these four important questions are regarded as the most basic factors that determine an autograph's value.

These are just a few of the questions we obtain from autograph collectors. If you have a question, feel free to contact us.