Page 23 - May 2020

by Maxine Carter-Lome, Publisher

robably one of the most famous signatures of all When it comes to signed
times is that of John Hancock, a signer of the sports memorabilia, values are
PDeclaration of Independence whose name has all over the board. For
become synonymous with the word autograph. When example, a signature on a
asked why he signed his name so big in comparison to game-worn/used item will
the other delegates, it has been said that Hancock generally be worth more than
replied, so that the “fat old King could read it without a signature by the same
his spectacles.” subject on a photo or unrelated
Today, the signature collectibles market is one of the item or at an unrelated time.
hottest growing segments, in part because anything you In the hierarchy of value,
love or collect that is signed by the maker or the factors such as the game,
subject makes that item that much more valuable, at outcome, and the role the
least to the owner. And that goes across the board – subject played in its outcome
books signed by the author, photos signed by the subject, also come into consideration.
handwritten correspondence and diaries, signatures on Jessica Simpson signing autographs at a Signed memorabilia from
historical documents, an artist’s signature, a maker’s Dillard’s department store in Texas. “fallen from grace” athletes,
mark, signed sports memorabilia, etc. That personal even if signed during their
value, however, does not always translate into monetary prime, may never be worth what one hoped for at one time, and retired athletes that
value in a marketplace where signatures are bought and time has forgotten may have value as part of a bigger collection (for example, team
sold as a commodity exchange. collections) but less as a standalone item.
And then there are the Big Two: Authenticity and Condition, factors that
can greatly affect value, and are common denominators across the signature
collectibles market.
This is a “Buyer Beware” marketplace, especially online where “hand-signed” can
be a misleading representation of signature authenticity. Outright forgeries, autopen
signatures mistakenly identified as by hand, and proxy signatures are common in the
autograph market, especially when items are purchased on the Internet from
unknown sources.
If you obtain a signature from the subject directly, it is important to make a note
when and where the personal exchange took place. In today’s selfie world, a picture
capturing the moment can make the interaction even more valuable. Documented
provenance not only adds value but in some states is required should the signed item
ever be sold.
If you are purchasing an autographed item or signed document from a third-party
source, look for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reputable dealer or third-
party authentication service if you plan to spend any real money. And, do your
Country music recording artist George Jones research. There are many online search resources that can help you match signatures
(seated with glasses), signs autographs inside the Main Exchange and give you a guesstimate
at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Mr. Jones signed of value.
autographs for fans before performing Talk to anyone who has
at a local concert. ever met someone famous
and had something signed
On the market, a signature is only as valuable as the and they’ll be happy to
subject, which calls into consideration a whole host of share their story. As a
other factors related to type and level of fame, historical culture, we have an
significance, desirability, accessibility, and how and unending interest in
when the signature was obtained. This is a fluid market, celebrity and who we’ve
and as they say on Project Runway, “one day you’re in, met – on the street, at the
and the next day you’re out.” stage door, at an event, in a
Mortality is another significant factor in determining restaurant, outside the
value. How long did the subject live, or are they still stadium … In a pre-selfie
living? When in their lifetime was this item signed? world, their signature was
How will they be remembered by history? While the take-away; proof that a
value may be easier to ascertain for signed historical You can always be guaranteed to see a few stars connection was made. Yet
documents and handwritten manuscripts, when it from the past or present to be the “draw” at they can’t help asking,
comes to Hollywood, athletes, artists, musicians, sports memorabilia shows across the country. “how much do you think
politicians, and others of contemporary public fame or it’s worth today?” whether
notoriety, signature values fluctuate over time and they’d ever sell it or not. That is, unfortunately, human nature, the state of the
across all types of items. market, and the price of celebrity on display, every day.

May / June 2020 21