To Frame or Not to Frame: That's the Big Question - Pros and Cons March 31 2023

The original Engrossed Copy of the U.S. Declaration of Independence contains one of the most recognizable groups of historic autographs. The oversized piece of parchment paper is a priceless founding document and one of five that the government protects with extra security.

The copy sits out on display every day at National Archives, and it is lowered into a secure vault every evening when the government closes. The document is never exposed to UV light and other atmospheric conditions, and the glass that protects this valuable piece of United States history is bulletproof. Furthermore, a special gas preserves the parchment within its encasement.

The Declaration is 246 years old, so, yes, it needs it!

John Hancock's signature (a representation of his signature, actually) appears in William J. Stone's engraving of the Declaration of Independence.

Displaying photos, artwork and other materials in special frames — ones that won't cause or accelerate damage — is the only way to fully protect special documents. When considering framing or encasement options for a collectible autograph, ask yourself the following: How much is it worth? Does it require protection like the John Hancock at the National Archives?

All framing jobs are different because it depends on the autograph itself and the surface on which it was signed. Read on to learn the pros and cons of framing your autographs.

PRO: FRAMING PROTECTS PRICELESS DOCUMENTS

Marilyn Monroe signed contract framed with a photo

From what you ask? Ordinary paper pulp, used for everything from junk mail to greeting cards, contains chemicals that degrade the paper over time. Even that concert program with key performers' signatures won't last forever.

If you decide to frame and display your autographed photos, you must use preservation-grade framing material. This includes acid-free mats that won't bleed chemicals into the photo and document.

[IMAGE] Marilyn Monroe signed contract framed with a photo

CON: However, once inside the frame, it can't be held and looked at in its original form. That's important to some people who enjoy the feeling of holding an autographed photo in their hands. This leads to something else worth mentioning — the oil in your fingers damages old documents, including permanent fingerprints.

PRO: FRAMING IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW OFF YOUR PRICELESS COLLECTIBLES

If it's secured in a drawer or a safe, your treasured Dean Martin autograph certainly won't spur any conversations with dinner or party guests. View your autographs and special documents like pieces in a museum. What features do you want to highlight? Where's the best location to display them to draw interest?

[IMAGE] Alfred Hitchcock signed envelope, framed together with a photo

CON: It is worth noting that once you frame your valuable document or signature, getting an accurate appraisal might be impossible because the examiner can't perform the tests to determine authenticity. Visual authentication is needed for many autographs, and experts must examine the ink and paper directly. Counterfeiters know how to fake things, and, consequently, only an expert appraiser can authenticate an autograph.

Get your autographs authenticated if needed, before you frame them, and keep official documentation certifying that the autograph is original with the frame. Authenticating items when they are inside a frame is harder, and it is impossible to do any restorations on the piece while it is framed.

PRO: FRAMING BRINGS OUT YOUR INNER HISTORIAN

Historians, archivists and museum curators protect papers and autographs with special equipment and tools and exhibit them alongside other relevant or educational materials. Framing gives you the inspiration to create context and be a historian, too. If you have a signed photo of Jack Dempsey from his early years boxing, consider finding other sports mementos and news clippings to create an engaging display.

[CLICKABLE IMAGE] American soprano Geraldine Farrar - signed photo framed with a program clip and an advertisement

CON: Unfortunately, if you find yourself wanting to change up your display or change the frame, you might run into difficulties, or risk damaging your autograph. Also, remember, If you frame your autographs, ensure they don't touch the glass that protects them. An amateur framing job usually ruins an autograph. An expert frame job might be the best route to take — but that can be expensive.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON FRAMING YOUR COLLECTIBLES

Anything can be autographed — from photos, scraps of paper, official documents, sports equipment, and ticket stubs. Unfortunately, not all writing surfaces are ideal for keeping autographs intact. Professional framing services, like encasing and preservation by a museum curator or archivist, provide the best protection against them fading or rubbing off. However, with a little patience and the right materials, you can preserve, protect and proudly display your treasured memorabilia, autographs and photos on your own.