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Sources to Get Your Autographed Items Appraised
Autograph collecting assembles historical documents, letters or objects that have been signed or autographed by a notable person. It is a fascinating hobby to collectors who take pleasure in capturing a piece of history.
The hobby as an investment rarely results in profit. The Wall Street Journal called the baseball card industry the penny stock market in the early 1990's. The value of rare autographs has faired much better that sports cards, but the pleasure of the hobby is more important among hobbyists. True collectors arebeyond fascinated with what they collect, they are obsessed.
A collector may prefer to accumulate autographs of a specific theme or domain, such as gathering bestselling books autographed by the authors themselves, vintage things personally owned by American actors and actresses, or sports gadgets used by hailed athletes.
Like any transaction that deals with original or acquiring the real McCoy, the searches can be frantic an the dealings are plagued with forgers seeking to gain attractive profits by selling fake or forged photographs, documents, sports items or personal stuffs purportedly signed by the real individual to an unwitting buyer. Sometimes it is just the signature that has been forged, other times the entire document has been unscrupulously doctored.
Provenance is a collector's term for the evidence that helps establish the authenticity of an item or proving where the autograph came from. Provenance is essential in cases where the autographed item is rare or of high value. The existence of a letter or notation claiming to describe the circumstances under which an autograph was obtained is not in itself sufficient provenance. Forgers use the technique of providing cooked up "provenance" letters to deceive the unwary.
A valid provenance should look into the entire history of an item, where it originated, and determine which dealers sold it in the past. The story behind it should be provable and not just a mere claim. Only if an item can "prove" itself outside a claim does it have provenance.
A large number of collectors who are getting good and true - deals have joined the network of fellow collectors which is, by itself, an assembly of hobbyist engaged in the business of searching, verifying, appraising, even swapping of autograph collections.
A collector who intends to sell may desire more personal assistance and many qualified dealers offer appraisal services. How an autograph item or other collectible appraised basically depends on how much a seller wishes to spend and how reliable is the appraiser's opinion. Popular appraisers are widely advertised, like Whatsitworthtoyou.com is a safe, quick and cost effective way to get a professional appraisal.
Almost always, the best appraised items are autographs of interesting and famous people. Accepted and understandably ‘in demand' are autographs of Presidents, vintage Hollywood stars, vintage musicians, sports stars, historical figures, authors, artists and astronauts. Preferred items are photos, letters,
documents, sports uniforms and equipment, books, album pages, matted and framed items, posters and lithos, and original artwork. Appraisers don't normally accept autographs of contemporary entertainers and sports stars.
The searchers though are advised to exercise caution when trading in this area. An autograph can be created in seconds with only a pen and some paper. Nothing beats being a ‘personal witness' to the signing of the item.
The appraiser, basically, assesses the approximate market value of the item in its current condition. But for autograph items, the role of the appraiser also comes in as a reliable means of establishing the autograph's authenticity. Each appraiser decides which item would be of interest, which is authentic and presents it to a producer who makes the final decision. A well appraised item breeds consumer confidence and assurance that the purchased item has been deemed authentic.
Appraisers generally seek and entertain this query: I have an autograph, and I would like to know if it is worth anything?
The following organizations are valuable sources to get autographed items appraised: The Manuscript Society (http://www.manuscript.org/), an international
organization of persons and institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, use and enjoyment of autographs and manuscripts; The International Autograph Collectors Club (http://www.iacc-da.org/); the National Auctioneers Association(http://www.auctioneers.org/); the Universal Autograph Collectors Club (http://www.uacc.org/); and, the Professional Autograph Dealers Association (PADA). These groups do not necessarily issue a COA. Instead, an appraisal or note stating that in their experience the item is authentic and is valued at a certain price range.
In addition, there are many autograph authenticator/appraisal services providers in the market today. One of the most widely recognized in the hobby is JSA-James Spence Authentication (http://www.spenceloa.com/) which guarantees increased value for quicker sale of memorabilia, and acceptance of Letter of Authenticity by collectors, dealers, and all auction houses worldwide.
The PSA/DNA Authentication Services (http://www.psadna.com/) have pooled together authentication experts. The group marks genuine items with invisible DNA-laced ink naked to the eye but verifiable through a specially calibrated infrared laser, and a unique alphanumeric number is attached as mark of authenticity.
The Roger North Rarities (http://stores.ebay.com/ROGER-NORTH-RARITIES) provide appraisal and traders assistant consignment sales services.
Geppi's Memorabilia RoadShow (http://www.gmrs.com/) provides appraisal services and authentication services with serial numbered hologram label - on items specializing in Major League baseball memorabilia including collectibles, autograph items, artwork, and professional sports cards.
WhatsItWorthToYou.com (http://whatsitworthtoyou.com/) provides on-line appraisal service and features a forum with the appraisal community' and links to other specialized appraisers.
Also, there are price guides available in the market. The www.amazon.com provides the 'Sanders Price Guide To Autographs'.
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