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Framed Autographs: A Dangerous Combination

You've heard of pheasant under glass -- a tasty dish, but what about autographs under glass? Today many collectors prefer their autographs framed and matted for display. Signatures, letters, and documents that display well are usually found attractively framed with an image or scene. They make gorgeous conversation pieces and draw even the most uninterested party into the exciting world of autograph collecting.

There are some concerns however. Framed pieces are almost always exposed to light and the elements; much more than boxed or bound items. Hanging pieces, if not properly framed, can fade quickly; almost before your eyes. In my fledgling collecting days, I proudly displayed a Thomas Edison bank check in my office at Halston Fragrances. It was framed with a picture of Edison with his early cylinder recording machine. I still have both the check and the image, but the check lacks a signature. Years ago the classic umbrella signature in purple ink was dark, crisp, and easily read. Light stole the signature a little each day.

Autograph Dealers and Long Time Collectors Fight Back Against Forgers

Autograph collecting is one of the many avenues you can use to feel a part of some special event or person and as a hobby may be one of the least expensive and most entertaining than most. In fact an investment in time may be all you need to become a success at autograph collecting.

Autograph collecting may be specialized. For example, an autograph may document the life of a person or illuminate a certain field of endeavor like music. Some collectors collect for sentimental reasons, some for historical reason, to some it is a hobby and for some it is a passion. If a collector idolizes or has a great deal of interest in writers, actresses, athletes, politicians, or even scientists, starting an autograph collection is a great way to share in their lives.

Recognizing the Authentic Autograph

Every collector, no matter how good or how long they have been collecting has been fooled by a fake. However, after a while of collecting, they get an a feel for it. For the most part, a Sharpie marker autograph is the best and easiest to recognize as authentic. Most of the fakes you can tell by holding up to a light, placing it on a light table, or viewing closely through a loop. The best defense however is an education in autographs and autograph forgeries.

Here is a list of some of the techniques that are used to try and fool collectors:

Autograph Collecting Guidelines

Autograph collecting guidelines can help you be a vigilant collector who assembles a quality group of valuable autographs. Autograph collecting need not be an expensive endeavor, but collecting what you enjoy within a suitable budget will lead to many hours of pleasure and reward.

The first guideline of autograph collecting is to become aware of the many sources of autographs. Look out for autograph signings given by Hollywood stars to promote their latest movie. Even American presidents offer their autograph when promoting a fellow politician or promoting their recently published book. You may be assured of having an authentic autograph when a celebrity signs in your presence.

Celebrity Autographs by a Secretary

Unless you personally witness a signature, you can't be absolutely sure that a signature is authentic. Many Hollywood stars use secretaries to sign their name on photos and memorabilia sent to them by eager collectors. You can't really blame them; top Hollywood stars receive thousands of autograph requests each month. They could spend hours each day just signing autographs for their multitude of fans.

Very few Hollywood celebrities, including as Jimmy Stewart and Hazel Court Taylor, are known to have spent hours every week answering fan mail and responding to autograph requests. However, to accommodate their many fans, many of the greatest Hollywood actors and actresses are well known to have used secretaries or family members to sign their name to photos. Photos signed "Walt Disney" were often signed by his fellow cartoonists. Jean Harlow's mother routinely signed her daughter's photos for fans. Photos of Jean Harlow that are authentically signed by her are few and far between and command premium process. When Ronald Reagan was an actor, his mother fulfilled many requests for his autograph.

Machine Made Autographs

Machine Made autographs are signatures constructed by artificial methods. Rubber stamps, robotic pens, and digital imprints are the most examples of autographs constructed by machines. These artificial items may have intrinsic value as mementos. However, collectors seeking true value need to be able to distinguish genuine autographs from those that are mass-produced by machine or electronic methods.

The robotic pen (also known as an autopen) writes a signature on flat objects such as letters, postcards, and photographs. Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first American president to use an autopen while president at Columbia University. John F. Kennedy was the first American president to use an autopen while holding office as an American president. The robotic pen is programmed to duplicate a person's authentic signature. Signatures constructed by robotic machine pens are easily recognized by a knowledgeable viewer. Robotic mechanical pens may use a variety of writing instruments such as ink pens, felt tip markers, pencils, and crayons. The following features characterize ink pen signatures made by robotic machine pens:

Online Autograph Catalogs

Online autograph auction catalogs are a wonderful place to view and study autographs. Whether you are a collector, history buff, or purveyor of interesting memorabilia, online autograph catalogs are a perfect way to learn about autographs and find fascinating items for display.

Online autograph catalogs consist of images of original autographs that are offered for sale by an auction company, private dealer, or supplier of stock images for businesses and consumers. Many companies that offer online autograph images have a diverse array of high-quality images that may be used for a wide range of projects.

Mechanical Autographs

Mechanical autographs are signatures constructed by artificial methods. Rubber stamps, robotic pens, and digital imprints are the most common examples of mechanical autographs. These items may have intrinsic value as mementos. However, collectors seeking true value need to be able to distinguish genuine autographs from those that are mass-produced by mechanical or electronic methods.

The robotic pen (also known as an autopen) affixes a signature on flat objects such as letters, cards, and photos. Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first American president to use an autopen while president at Columbia University. John F. Kennedy was the first American president to use an autopen while holding office as U.S. president. The robotic pen is programmed to duplicate a person's real signature. Signatures constructed by robotic pens are easily recognized by the knowledgeable observer. Robotic pens may use a variety of writing utensils such as ink pen, felt tip, pencils, and crayons. The following features characterize ink pen signatures by robotic pens:

Signature Studies

Signature studies are performed for many reasons. Graphologists analyze signatures and other forms of handwriting to analyze the personal attributes of a person. A precise signature with careful delineation of each letter usually indicates an individual who values detail. Such is the signature of Albert Einstein. Signatures that begin with a flourish, such as the “T umbrella” that characterizes the first name in the signature of Thomas Edison, has been attributed to personalities with abundant self-confidence.