Receiving an autograph from a celebrity or public figure you admire can be an amazing accomplishment and provide you with a sentimental treasure for years to come. A well-preserved autograph can also be a wise investment if you decide to part with it in the future. Use the tips below to discover the best ways to get the autograph, display it, preserve it—and if you want to, sell it.
SEEK, RESEARCH & BUY
First, establish what personality you’re interested in obtaining an autograph from. Every type of celebrity provides some sort of autograph whether they are an author, chef, actor, musician, artist, sports figure, politician, journalist, or other. Their popularity at the current time will most likely determine the price range of their autographs. Of course, there is always a market for autographs of deceased personalities as well—in fact, although morbid, death usually makes their signatures more valuable.
If the person is living, and makes public appearances (writers, chefs, soap opera stars and sports figures are the most frequent), check your area for possible autograph signings. For example, if an author just completed a new book, chances are they’ll take it on tour. If you want one of their books signed, attend the reading (hint: typically the store will want you to purchase the book from their establishment to get it signed) and then you won’t have to pay for the autograph itself, only the book. If you want something other than what they are offering signed, be sure to ask in advance. Many celebrities don’t have time to sign more than one item for each person, and have policies about what they sign. Also, if cameras are allowed at the appearance, be sure to have a photo taken—preferably of the person signing your item. This will be valuable for authentication purposes down the road if you decide to sell it.
If the autograph you’re seeking is of someone who is deceased, or too famous to make public appearances, you’ll need to purchase the autograph from a website or an affiliate of the person’s organization or estate. A good place to start is online auctions. You may not want to purchase the autograph from those sellers, but you can get a good idea of how much you should expect to pay for that specific signature. It’s also helpful to check the official website or fan club of the person you are seeking the autograph from. Many celebrities provide examples of their signatures on-line or have specific ways of authenticating their autograph.
Next, compare prices. If you see at an auction website that a signature is priced incredibly low for what you’d expect, chances are it’s fake. Some autographs come complete with a serial number from Authentigraph, a company that guarantees all of their signatures are legitimate. Another option is using a dealer endorsed by The Universal Autograph Collectors Club. That organization registers autograph dealers and reviews their methods of authentication regularly to maintain a list of honest sellers. You should also look for items that come with a certificate of authenticity or a refund program, so you have insurance if the autograph is proven to be forged.
When you find what you think is a fair price and an honest seller, make sure you see a photo scan of the signature (if you’re buying on-line) or examine it yourself before making your purchase. If you’re purchasing a very old document, expect some discoloration and possible damage. Just be sure the signature is clearly distinguishable before you commit to it. Compare it to any examples you’ve seen in the past from the same personality—even amateurs can spot an obvious forgery.
PRESERVE & PROTECT
Once you have purchased your item, you’ll want to make every effort to preserve it. If it is an old autograph, on yellowing paper, it’s probably an acidic material that needs to be neutralized. Use the popular Bookkeeper® spray (available at craft and scrapbook stores) to lightly coat the paper which will protect it from further damage.
If you have a new signature, store it carefully in an acid-free archive box or archival plastic sleeve. You’ll want to be sure anything you place with the autograph is also acid-free, so be careful of poster boards and cardboard that aren’t marked ‘archival quality.’
If your item isn’t on paper, there are a few simple rules to follow for storing your autograph. Keep it away from direct sunlight, water and heat. Do your best to contain it in a box or other protected environment that shields it from any possible accidents. Never store autographs in a garage or basement.
DISPLAY
If you want to admire your item regularly, or show it off whenever friends visit, you may consider framing it. Depending on its age, follow the steps listed above to maintain its acidity, and then look for a frame (preferably at a craft store or professional framing shop) that has acid-free backing and glare-resistant glass. Many professionals offer a shadow-box archive frame, which also may be a good option, depending on the size of the signature. Just make sure that once you have it framed, it’s placed in a location far from any windows that may reflect damaging sunlight. A hallway, away from doors (which can also promote unwanted moisture) would be ideal. Glass boxes and display cases are also a great option if your item isn’t on paper. For books, you may want to designate a special bookcase or shelf that contains only autographed works, for easy removal.
SELL
If you decide that you want to part with your autograph, or find a comparable one of better quality, you may want to sell it. If so, make sure you check on-line auctions to see how similar signatures are priced. Determine your selling figure by assessing the condition of the autograph, its rarity and authentication. If you obtained the autograph in person, try to offer a photo of the subject signing the object if that was possible to obtain at the time.
Whatever you decide, take great care of your autograph. The older it gets, the more valuable it becomes—sentimentally and financially.
