A Beginner’s Guide To Celebrity Autographs

Collecting celebrity autographs has always been a popular pastime of countless fans throughout history. While every collector has a different goal in mind, autograph collectors are passionate about their hobby. They’ll go to any length to obtain a piece of history or the ink from a famous person’s pen.

If you happen to come across or already have an autographed celebrity photo or some vintage composer autographs, you’re probably curious about how much they’re truly worth. In order to get that information, you’ll have to familiarize yourself with the concept of autograph assessments.

Utilizing an appraiser will let you know exactly how much the signed item is worth. You can do this for various reasons, including simple curiosity or a genuine desire to recoup your investment. This article can guide beginners who have no idea where to start when it comes to valuing celebrity autographs.

When Purchasing, Beware Of Fakes And Forgeries

Many forgeries and pre-prints are being sold for sale without being verified. Collectors need to be aware of fakes or forgeries that have become commonplace due to the escalating desire for celebrity autographs.

This type of collectible is often sold on online platforms. Online auction platforms like eBay, where the seller can stay anonymous and use P.O. box addresses to swap autographs, are popular places to sell such items.

Many official autographs by superstars, past and present, are difficult to track down in their original form. Due to the complexity of collecting autographs in today’s world, you must do your due diligence to acquire authentic ones. Here are some things you need to know about autographs that are marketed as ‘genuine’ but end up being fakes:

  • Use of autopens: Autopens are mechanical devices that allow people to create identical autograph items quickly and accurately. They’ve been used for a long time by celebrities to satisfy the needs of collectors while freeing their own time to do other things.
  • Pre-printed celebrity autographs: In the case of pre-printed autographs, the ‘signatures’ are parts of the photograph, having been signed by the famous person and then mass-produced. When viewed up close, the autographs and photos have the same dots per inch. They’re great for referencing because the renowned person signed the original copy, so what’s printed is a perfect representation of their handwriting. This is a popular technique among celebrities who utilize it to fulfill fan mail autograph requests or offer lower-priced merchandise.
  • Forgeries: Many collectors have been cheated by fraudsters who use forged autographs to make money. As a result, extra caution should be exercised before purchasing a supposedly authentic signed item, including researching the dealer’s background and reputation. 
  • Use of assistants in celebrity autographs: Many celebrities are known to use assistants to sign on their behalf. These individuals are typically referred to as in-person examples and aren’t required to sign multiple items themselves.
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What To Expect In Appraising Your Celebrity Autograph

Before you ask an appraiser to inspect your photograph, make sure that the autograph is authentic. Doing so will help the appraiser get the most out of the appraisal. When your photograph is rated, the appraiser will focus on the aspects of the photograph. The quicker and less expensive the evaluation will be, the more proof you have of validity. Appraisers charge much more if they have to prove that the autograph is genuine. Therefore, if you have proof of validity, bring it with you.

If the picture is of a celebrity, it may be better to find an entertainment expert in your area instead of just hiring a photographer. There can also be local appraisers in your location. Just make sure that they have an impeccable reputation so you can get an accurate assessment.

Another important tip is to ask for multiple quotes from different experts to get the best possible price for your signed photographs. This is because some will always quote lower than the value that you’re seeking. You also need a written copy of your appraisal in addition to the certificate of authenticity. Having a written appraisal will help make your celebrity autographs more valuable.

Takeaway 

As an avid fan, when it comes to starting a celebrity autograph collection or determining the value of your present collection, you’ll need to go the extra mile to ensure that the signatures you have are genuine. And if you’re going to sell your collectibles later on, you should figure out how to price them properly. No matter how you choose to use your celebrity autographs in the long run, what’s important is for you have fun with the hobby and look after each new signed item you acquire to keep it in good condition.