Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Cris AutoCollector99 on March 12, 2016 at 3:58am

And,by the way, to you, which are the most reliable websites for buying autographs?? :/

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 12, 2016 at 4:29am

Hi Cris,

To me that is perhaps like asking which hospital does the best heart surgery. There is the surgeon, the anesthetist, the nurses and so many other variables...none of those are the hospital itself, which is the question as framed. In any event, there is no single answer to your question for me. I'd still have to see each autograph. I am not saying there aren't good dealers, but once you place your trust in something other than your own eyes and knowledge, well...remember others have different priorities and making you happy honestly might not be at the top of the list. Assuming everything is a forgery or secretarial and then proving it real, or not, seems a safe way to operate. It can't be streamlined to "that xxxx's stuff is good" as far as I am concerned because that is sight unseen buying in effect. Each item needs to be evaluated not just for authenticity, but its inherent quality. It is the deliberate combination and variety of qualities that make a great collection. Condition, size, what was signed and with what and when, is the signature attractive and a good example for that person at that time? Does the ink color clash? Is there good contrast? Was it signed in a good spot? Is it unusual or common? Is the item special or limited? Much of this is personal taste, some is not, but it all makes for interesting collections and there are so many ways to skin a cat and that is good for all budgets and tastes.

Eric

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 12, 2016 at 5:02am

Hi Cris,

 I went and dug this up - it might be of use to you. These are things I consider after authenticity is out of the way.:

In no order here are some things I think about:

Original/virgin /untrimmed photo/item (no tape, folds spots, restoration etc – considering item/age/other factors)?

Vintage as possible?

Is the autograph contemporary to the photograph or added later?

Best condition possible (considering above etc.)?

Best quality photo (1^st generation/original release/candid)/”Official” item”/product (album, CD, ticket, promo, key photo etc.)?

Best inscription (if any possible)/dedication/dated?

Fountain, ballpoint or fiber/felt? Pencil?

Optimal contrast/placement? Ink color clash with item/image?

Clear example/preferably no smudging from signing/fading/etc.?

What else can I buy with this amount of $?

Recent auction/sale results for like material?

Is the signature interesting/unusual/unique without the photo/item?

Frequency of items with comparable presentation?

Comparison to similar for quality - mediocre or exceptional?

How does this fit in with other items I have collected using similar criterion? Display?

It the item is too big? Small? Is the autograph lost or overpowering?

Best wishes,

                   Eric

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Permalink Reply by Cris AutoCollector99 on March 12, 2016 at 6:36am

Oh my God! Thank you SOOO MUCH for your amazing tips Eric! They are really helpful!! I'll bear them in mind always! 

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Permalink Reply by Cris AutoCollector99 on March 12, 2016 at 6:49am

And also, what do you think of this autograph in particular? What "vibe" do you get? Do you think it's authentic?

Here's the link:

http://www.ioffer.com/i/elizabeth-taylor-hand-signed-autograph-7-05...

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on March 12, 2016 at 6:50am

No! No! No!

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Permalink Reply by Cris AutoCollector99 on March 12, 2016 at 6:51am

Fake??? XD

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on March 12, 2016 at 6:53am

I do not think this is Elizabeth's signature.

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Permalink Reply by Cris AutoCollector99 on March 12, 2016 at 6:57am

Why?? It's not I don't believe you! It's just, I would like to know why you think it isn't her auto : /

Permalink Reply by Joe W. on March 12, 2016 at 7:15am

Why? I am not an expert but have looked at hundreds of Taylor signatures over many years. But, let's look at the seller of this signed photo. He/she also have a Michael Jackson signed photo for $206.95. A Ronald Reagan signed photo for $125. On and on. Really? Just because something comes with a COA and is described as "hand signed" doesn't mean it was hand signed by the celebrity. Common sense needs to prevail.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 12, 2016 at 7:24am

That is...the same Taylor...again? I thought it was $99? Now $110? Let me give a different answer then, because the autograph has not changed. Without even looking at the autograph you can see what you need to just by reading the item description carefully. None of these comments are fatal individually, but together...they leave a bad taste, spelling and "professionalism" aside.

1) "I have literally thousands of items in my collection, so feel free to ask if you are looking for a certain celebrity..."

2) "I'm such and such and got these myself..."

3) " I will not go in to lengthy detail..."

4) "Anyway..ther will be lots of items to come..."

5) "Items will be priced VERY reasonably, but I am always open to offers..."

6) "Definately open to multiple item offers so have at 'er..."

Then the sellers other items...the names Michael Jackson, Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Madonna, Natalie Wood, Bela Lugosi, Marlon Brando...I'm not going to mention the prices - just one - Lugosi for $245 or best offer w/free shipping? Surprised there is not a Judy Garland for $310...no Bowie for $120? This guy can't even spell the names of some of these celebrities - Malcom McDonald? Spielburg? Reading the feedback and the names there is also entertaining.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on March 12, 2016 at 7:20am

http://rrauction.k2imgs.com/content/pdf/Autograph_Magazine_Elizabet...

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