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Items that bear an autograph of a famous person are fun and often highly prized collectibles
Buyers should exercise caution and keep a few important guidelines in mind, though, when trading in this area.
Check Out The Following Articles (all below)
How can I be sure the item is genuine?
A note about certificates of authenticity.
"Spotting the fakes."
"Exposing the forgers"
The price seems too good to be true! ?
How do I get started?
Is the dealer a member of any regulatory body?
Are Autographs a good investment?
One question that autograph dealers hear more than any other is: "How can I be sure that the item is genuine?"
A valid question and whether you are a dedicated collector or intending to buy an item as a gift the most important factor in purchasing an autograph is, of course, ensuring its authenticity, every collector deserves honesty and integrity from their chosen supplier, as well as the peace of mind that the item they're spending good money on has been signed by the relevant personality. One solution to this problem is to buy only from a reputable dealer.
There are many factors taken into consideration when authenticating any item. We have a large in house reference library of comparison signatures, which include cheques, contracts, and printed examples. At The Collectors Lot, we are extremely selective with the sourcing of our stock, obtaining in-person autographs and using only reputable and trusted suppliers and dealers. Current celebrity autographs are among the most difficult signatures to authenticate in the hobby. Many stars change their autographs frequently, and in most cases, there are numerous factors that can dictate the quality of an in person autograph. Were they standing, sitting, running down the sidewalk or signing up against a brick wall when it was signed? Did they use sharpie, paint pen, ball point or pencil when they signed? Is it a 'quick signature' or a 'full signature? For the most part, you need to have numerous examples and a lot of experience to authenticate current celebrities. Many times, it comes down to the credibility of the 'source'.
We at The Collectors Lot make every effort possible to ensure authenticity of the items we sell. This is something we are very serious about. We guarantee everything we sell and offer a money back Guarantee this is a commitment that will stand by. Customer Satisfaction comes first. Buy from us with complete confidence.
We are members of the 'Universal Autograph Collectors Club'. It is the UACC, which governs autograph dealers worldwide and as we have strict guidelines to abide by in accordance with our membership collectors should have peace of mind in buying from such registered companies.
All autographed items sold by The Collectors Lot come with an individual Certificate Of Authenticity. This is your guarantee from us that all items we sell are genuine. Please understand that the issuance of a certificate of authenticity does not make a bad autograph legitimate. Unfortunately, there are an increasing number of fly-by-night dealers who would want you to believe that this is the case. We give the certificate for your piece of mind and to aid as a reference and link to our database should a claim arise. If you have any questions at all in this matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. You may email or telephone us: Contact Us
Autograph Collecting & what we we offer:
• Over 15 years collecting experience
• Certificate of authenticity with a photo of the item on. Our Guarantee.
• Forensic certificates on premium items available.
• All items obtained 'in person' or from reputable sources.
A note about certificates of authenticity:
Certificates of authenticity "COA's" can help establish the bona fides of a particular autograph, or can give a buyer certain rights if the item is later determined to be a forgery. Not all certificates provide meaningful protection, though. Carefully review the information in the certificates for at least the following information:
• Who issued the certificate?
• Does the certificate state that it was issued at the same time the item was signed? If so,
how can you confirm that the information in the certificate is accurate, and that the
certificate matches the item you're purchasing?
• If the certificate was issued after the item was signed, does the issuer of the certificate have
any particular expertise that qualifies him/her to give an opinion about the autograph? Do
the experts have scientific forensic training, or are they experienced in dealing with this
particular celebrity or autograph? What is the relationship between the seller and the issuer
of the certificate?
• Does the certificate give the buyer any rights? If a qualified expert later declares that he
item is a forgery can the buyer get a refund? Is there any time limit?
"Spotting the fakes"
Whilst an early photograph can bear an example of a later signature obviously a photograph taken in later years cannot bear an early signature. A personality will develop certain idiosyncrasies of signing whether in the position of a signature on a photograph the angle and style of the signature or adding a typical inscription. - Always be on the look out for the obvious mistakes, spelling of names, dates of signatures obtained after a celebrity's death etc. The type of ink and age of the paper used are also of importance. Another factor to take into consideration is the flow of the signature - does it look as if it flows without stopping unnecessarily - has been drawn rather than signed.
"It is an unfortunate fact that counterfeit autographs are readily available on the open market today. Always be wary of any dealer offering you highly sought after items at bargain prices. The pricing on our site reflects the current value, hopefully without being overpriced. We are confident in our items being authentic, and this is reflected in our pricing structure."
"Exposing the forgers".
Be forewarned of these alleged forgers. Do not buy from any listings that refer to examinations or certificates of authenticity from these companies: "SCAA", "J. Dimaggio Co.", "Universal Inc.", "Universal Memorabilia", "Sports Management Group", "Stan's Sports", "Pro Sports or Pro Sports Memorabilia", "Dave Niedema a.k.a. Dave Madiema", "Steve Ryan", "North Shore Sports", "Hollywood Dreams", "Autographs-Etc (Steve Gaddis owner)", "Infinite Visions", "True Collectors (owned by Tony Alonzo)". Forensic examiner Robert Prouty and a company known as Forensic Document Services caused a number of certificates to be issued based upon only limited, "cursory" reviews of autographs. Based upon information from the N.Y. Department of Consumer Affairs, federal law enforcement and Mr. Prouty, it appears that these limited reviews were not sufficient to provide meaningful assurances about the authenticity of the autograph. A number of items issued with such certificates may be forgeries so be aware of any listings that refer to examinations or certificates of guarantee or authenticity from Mr Prouty.
KEEP WATCHING FOR REGULAR UPDATES.
"The price seems too good to be true?"
In the vast majority of cases, it won't be true. One current example being offered would be the late Brandon Lee. This may seem a great buy at £100, but after the tragic death of the actor, genuine autographs are few and far between, plus they are worth at least 4 times that amount in authentic form. On ebay there were 119 Marlon Brando autographs listeds under original I found only four genuine with two maybee's where I would have either liked more info or a closer look. All of these were at the higher priced end of the range. Don't buy one for £40, or £100 even and think you have a genuine one from a reputable dealer. Today you would expect to pay £500+
"How do I get started?"
Unlike many collectibles, autographs can be easily displayed and you want to acquire an item you can 'live' with. Most people begin by collecting a theme or personality they have a genuine interest in or something memorable and personal to themselves. When finding a supplier for autographed material, ask yourself a couple of questions.
"Is the dealer a member of any regulatory body?"
The main regulatory body is the UACC. The UACC will willingly help any customer who has had problems with a registered dealer, but alas have no strength in dealing with unregistered companies. If your chosen dealer maintains a high level of integrity and customer service they will gladly tell you of their membership details. It is the UACC, which regulates autograph dealers worldwide, and as we have strict guidelines to abide by in accordance with our membership, collectors should have peace of mind in buying from such registered companies.
"Is the dealer knowledgeable in autographs?"
Almost without exception, most autograph dealers started out as collectors. This is certainly the case with ourselves. We have also advised auction houses. Talk to your supplier - do they seem genuinely interested in their items? - Are they happy answering any questions you put to them?
Are autographs good investments?
Autograph collecting is enjoyed universally and outlets are developing in most major cities around the world. There will always be great demand for the popular names of the last few hundred years, and clearly supply and demand dictates that prices will rise in order to satisfy that requirement. If you buy the best examples you can afford and take notice of certain general guidelines, you won't go far wrong.
Clear undedicated signatures on a characteristic photograph (for example Marlon Brando in character as 'The Godfather' or Orson Welles in character from 'Citizen Kane') or a letter with significant content will always be the most desirable pieces available. The value is also significantly increased if the personality adds a well known quote or catchphrase of theirs or draws a small doodle or self-caricature.
Except in certain circumstances such as if one celebrity dedicates an item to another, dedicated pieces will always be worth less than their non-dedicated counterparts.
Increase in demand will naturally force the price up in the marketplace. Cast signed pieces are a good investment as is generally true with any deceased person (obviously they will no longer be signing). The quality of the item and scarcity will always remain of importance in any investment. When buying for 'investment' it pays to choose quality items. A particular Beatles item may well be £1000 cheaper than another but the tear or dedication that makes this the case will also ensure that the value will not rise as quickly as for the 'perfect' example.
We always recommend you buy an item because you like it or it is a subject of interest to you.
Autograph Collecting & what we we offer:
• Over 15 years collecting experience
• Certificate of authenticity with a photo of the item on. Our Guarantee.
• Forensic certificates on premium items available.
• All items obtained 'in person' or from reputable sources.
We guarantee the autographs to be 100% authentic. Our autographs have past all our verification procedures! Every autographed item is accompanied by a photographic image on a Certificate of Authenticity.
Although each autographed item is guaranteed to be 100% authentic should you feel the autographed item not authentic, we may, in certain cases, ask for the written opinion of one competent authority acceptable to us. We will refund the purchase price after documentation has been submitted. The buyer's only remedy under this guarantee is the cancellation of the sale and the refund of the purchase price.
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