Vintage Film, Political and Historical autograph collecting can be exciting, financially rewarding and a great way to learn about history. The most common question I get about autographs is "How do you know its real"? This question has made many people rich, many people poor and on occasion have landed a few people in jail.
Formats of Autographs:
Signatures Sig - Signature (Piece of paper, Postcard, Album page, Cut from a letter etc.)
Letters ALS - Autograph Letter Signed (Handwritten and signed)
LS or TLS (Typed Letter Signed)
Manuscripts (Plays, Music)
Documents DS - Document Signed (Contracts, Signed Cheques, Land Grants, Commissions etc.)
Photographs - SP (Signed Photo)
Books
There are thousands of fake autographs currently on Ebay for sale. Look for the following:
Autopen - This has been signed by a machine. The signature will be at a constant depth in the photo due to constant pressure when it is signed. Also look to see the position where it has been signed. An autopen is usually in the centre of the photo. If it looks perfect then its probably fake.
Example: Richard Widmark Autopen Signature
Stamp - There is usually smudging on the edge of the signature when the stamp gets pulled off. Again the signature usually has a constant amount of ink throughout or the signature suddenly stops where not enough ink was on the rubber stamp.
Example: Marie Prevost Stamp. Note the smudge on the "S".
Secretarial - These are often hard to pick. I recommend that you search other websites to compare the signatures. Compare loops and joining of the names etc.
Example: Lina Basquette secretarial signature. Adolf Hitler's favourite actress. This example is ink over an autopen signature.
Preprinted - This is when the person has signed a negative before the printing of the photo. The signature is sometimes blurred. These can sometimes be hard to pick. Check the autograph with a magnifying glass for signs of ink.
Example: Anita Page Preprinted. Note the blurring on the right.
Example: Johnny Weissmeller Autopen. Even throughout.
To reduce your chances of buying a fake autograph I recommend:
Compare the signature with one that you know to be real from a reliable source.
Trace both autographs on tracing paper fit them together and see if they match.
Check the signature with a magnifying glass.
Does the letter have a printed letterhead?
Does the paper look period?
Does the envelope have a postmark?
Is there ink over ink?
Condition. If it is perfect then its probably fake. Anything pre-1960 should show some age and wear.
Letters that begin "Dear Friend" are often preprinted.
Don't bid on items without a picture.
Don't bid from sellers with lots of rare items at bargain prices.
Don't bid on items that are Private Auctions.
What should I collect?
Buy the best you can for your budget. Buy fewer things but better quality.
Content is King! A letter that contains thoughts and insights to their personality holds more value than a letter responding to an autograph request or similar.
A document that is relevant to the person is more valuable.
Something signed at the height of their career is worth more than when they were in old age.
Condition counts!
Collect a historical person that will never plummet in value. Most modern stars will be forgotten in the next twenty years.
Collect a subject that is unique and rare.
My personal recommendations:
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