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Displaying Celebrity Autographs

Autographs presented in framed displays can be very attractive. A framed autograph arranged in a proper mat can be a captivating visual display. The personal touch of autographed memorabilia is certain to stimulate visual interest and conversation.

An autographed document such as a signed check or contract can be matted with a photo of the associated personality. A cancelled check signed by Babe Ruth that is matted with a photo of the baseball legend, or a cancelled check autographed by Marilyn Monroe matted with an attractive photo of the Hollywood actress, make wonderful display pieces.

How to Preserve your Autographed Photo Collectibles

Autographed photos are fun to collect and can be a very profitable hobby. Whether you collect autographs to resell at a later date, or just collect them for your own personal satisfaction, you'll need a way to safely preserve your autographed 8 X 10 photos and other memorabilia. After all, what is the point of collecting autographs if the photos are faded and crumbling in a few years? If you need solutions to safely store your autographs, use these tips.

1. Acid free is the way to go - Whether you choose plastic bags, cardboard folders or frames to display your autographs, you need to make sure that the material you use is acid free. Standard bags, folders and frames are made with materials that release acids over time. These acids can make your photographs and other memorabilia fade and disintegrate. Make sure that the products that you buy to store your autographs is clearly labeled acid-free. If the package doesn't specify that, don't trust it with your photos.

Database Configuration for Your Autographs

Autograph collectors need to maintain a database for their collection. The primary purpose of a database is to avoid unintended duplicate acquisitions and to have a record of their purchase price. This information will provide a reasonable estimate of their value when your autographs are sold or passed on to others.

A record book or index card filing system works fine for many collectors. However, many software programs can be configured as a database for your autographs. Databases in digital format may be backed up to separate locations to avoid loss of information. Maintaining your database so that it is complete and up to date may seem like a chore, but you will undoubtedly refer to quite frequently as your collection expands. The key recommended fields for your database of autographs is shown below.

Recommended Database Fields for Autographs

a) Last Name b) First Name c) Document Type e.g. ALS, DS, ANS

d) Date of Purchase e) Place of Purchase f) Cost

g) Category e.g. Entertainment, Presidential, Literature

h) Description i.e. detailed description of autograph including dates, names, condition, size, condition.

i) Person i.e description of person who wrote the autograph.

j) Optional field for details regarding breakdown of cost i.e. purchase price, tax, shipping, auction cost.

Fields in your database that are shown above will handle the vast majority of your record keeping needs. The information contained in your database will serve as a useful electronic search tool when information about your collection is needed quickly and completely.

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Go to Famous-Celebrity-Autographs.com for viewing a large selection of autographs. This website is a valuable resource for autograph collectors. Go to Money Secrets of the Rich and Famous, to purchase a book with celebrity biographies that is illustrated with their autographed checks.

Article Source: Collectibles-Articles.com

Proper Care and Display of Your Autographs

Imagine in your collection a beautiful photograph signed by Elvis Presley that becomes yellow and brittle while on display in your home. Or imagine a first edition book signed by Albert Einstein that develops faded print and mold on its pages. Unless the autograph collector maintains his collection in a protective environment, autographs will be damaged or forever lost.

Most of modern autographs consist of signed album pages, file cards, letters and documents, and books. The composition of paper is an important consideration when judging the longevity and value of an autograph. Paper with a high acid or lignan content, such as newspaper, are prone to rapid deterioration even under optimum conditions. Autographs on this type of paper are bound to fade and deteriorate rapidly unless precautions are taken.

How to Destroy your Valuable Autographs

Do you have a Mickey Mantle autographed baseball worth thousands of dollars? Do you have an autograph of Paul McCartney that you treasure because you obtained it directly from the former Beatle? Most collectors use special care when it comes to preserving their autographs. It is important to be scrupulously careful because autographs on paper are very delicate. Lack of knowledge about maintaining autographs or careless handling may damage or destroy your valued possessions.

Autographs need to be kept in a safe place. Displaying them in a picture frame that is not securely mounted on a wall invites possible theft. Similarly, autographs that are maintained in a binder should not be left unattended in public. Autographs that are not kept in a safe and secure environment may be misplaced or accidentally thrown away.