Understanding Autographs

The wonderful world of autograph buying and selling is fraught with dangers for the public and professional alike. Throughout history famous people have been asked by their fans for autographs

A signature has become a quick, easy and personal item to give to a fan. Treasured by the receiver the autograph represents a tiny piece of history frozen in and time and proof of a chance meeting or request

However, over the years and for major celebrities demand has far outstripped supply creating a market for selling autographs. Famous people under time constraints and facing insatiable scrutiny are becoming understandably less accessible to the general public. In order to satisfy these demands and the collectors market other ways have been developed over the years to reproduce celebrity signatures. Buyers beware that Printed / Stamped / Autopen and Secretarial autographs are common and often of good enough quality to fool all but the better trained eye

Current celebrities have become aware of the market values of their autograph and this has resulted in a growing reluctance to sign for all but genuine fans. They are rightfully frustrated by people standing outside stage-doors demanding "selfies" and clutching packs of photographs to sign that might appear on Ebay the following day

Always a problem, but much more seriously over recent years, the most serious enemy of the genuine autograph collector has emerged .. the forger. With the huge increases in values this can be a lucrative past-time, however most forgeries found especially on the internet auction sites are extremely poor and easy to recognise 

Buyers BE vigilant and do your research. Do not be frightened to ask questions

We advise you to continue to read all our free detailed advice sections. They will help you to make better informed decisions