Autograph Authenticity: Is Authentic, Enough? July 16 2024
Many times we see this question in forums as well as in emails to us from collectors and private sellers.
The short answer is NO. Autographs can be authentically signed by the signer but that does not mean they are valuable financially or collectable, and they may not be easy or even possible to sell. Even when authentic, they may not be even possible to authenticate.
[CLICKABLE IMAGE] American actor and tap dancer Dixon Lee inscribed and signed photograph with a long sentiment.
Some stars sign in the dark areas of a photo, where the signature can not be seen, and this could be on purpose or due to being careless. More common than not, signers who are in a rush sign with a short scribble that is impossible to authenticate by experts. This is properly called a “rush” signature, and while they are authentic, they should be avoided as collectible and is harder to sell.
I remember meeting a very famous orchestra conductor on the backstage. He was on his way to the dressing room during an intermission. I asked for an autograph on a photo page that was on the concert program. He politely signed it and continued his way to his dressing room. He obviously did not want to deny the request, but was visibly exhausted and wanted to rest and relax. The signature is not a typical signature of him, it is a simplified form of what we normally see, and it is also quite ugly. Here is a perfect example of an authentic signature that will be very hard or impossible to authenticate by an expert, and maybe impossible to sell as well.
When you collect autographs, always try to make sure the signatures are as clear, complete and beautiful as possible, with decent contrast. Avoid rush signatures and signatures over dark areas as much as you can. Of course, sometimes there is nothing you can do, the moment passed to get another signature from your admired celebrity, or you won't be able to find another affordable example of that autograph of Marilyn Monroe you are trying to buy, and your only choice is to buy something underwhelming - or nothing. That is when you have to compromise.
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