Collecting Historical Autographs

Collecting autographs is a time-honored avocation that has exploded in popularity in recent years, creating a new industry with millions of autographed items for sale online. Coveted signatures include those of United States presidents, Civil War officers, World War II heroes, classical music composers and baseball stars. It has been estimated that 90 percent of historical autographs on the market today are forgeries. This book is a definitive guide to signature authentication for experts and beginners alike. Numerous illustrations of both genuine and forged signatures are included, from Ty Cobb to Abraham Lincoln to Isaac Newton to Neil Armstrong. Detailed descriptions of common forgeries are given, enabling collectors to make direct comparisons.

Written by collectables expert Susan Brewer, the book covers the world of autographs, both beautifully-illustrated autograph books from the days when ordinary people signed them for friends with thoughtful poems or illustrations, to celebrity and highly collectable autographs. Hundreds of verses and reflective messages are included, as well as many humorous entries gleaned from autograph albums over the years.The book begins with a general overview of autographs, autograph collecting and autograph books, has a chapter on preserving and storing autographs, advice on how to collect them and ends with a directory of auction houses which specialise in ephemera. Examples of autographs include Victorian politicians, Prime Ministers, royalty, artists, actors, sportsmen and ordinary people who took the time to think up clever rhymes or stunning illustrations. Aimed at the collectable market but also nostalgia as so many people used to collect autographs at stage doors or end of pier shows. This book will appeal not only to the collector but to anyone interested in social history and our changing way of life.

Taking off from the idea that each autograph is an original work of art created by the signer, this book aims to represent a piece of history, the premise being that there is no better way to learn about historical figures or celebrities than to meet those people and ask them for signed photos, books, and other information. A section of the book is dedicated to school projects to help teachers incorporate autograph collecting into their course curriculums. Following a prologue and an introduction, the book is divided into parts: on political autographs (subdivided into executive, legislative, judicial, state and local officials, candidates, military leaders, international dignitaries, and miscellaneous); mass media autographs; writers' autographs; artists' autographs; sports autographs; religious autographs; business and famous family autographs; and controversial autographs. The section for teachers lists 15 student projects in diverse content areas and is intended for young people in kindergarten through college. The book concludes with concise sections: on writing a letter; finding addresses; addresses to get a person started; storing and displaying autographs; a checklist for collecting autographs; autographs for auction; a glossary; and an epilogue. (NKA)

Baker covers many important collecting topics, including: tips on recognizing autopens; impact of technology; keys to paper care; and much more. A special chapter covers commonly requested addresses and more than 600 facsimile signatures. 300 photos.