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Advice on removing inscriptions etc on my autographs

Hey guys

Just need some advice on removing inscriptions etc from my autographs.....is eucalyptas oil ok ? If not whats best to use without making mess ?

Cheers

Francesco

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Permalink Reply by Brian Keeling on March 24, 2018 at 12:18am

I use goo gone or hairspray if it is a glossy photo. Use little shampoo on a Q-tip to remove hairspray afterwards... works great

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Permalink Reply by J. Mikael on March 24, 2018 at 10:58am

There is no fool proof all-purpose solution to removals. The marker used, the signed material, and many other factors all make a difference. You'll always want to start with the mildest option (e.g. lighter fluid), and only go for the stronger stuff (e.g. acetone) when necessary.

Overall, learning to do it well will take a lot of practice. Personally I'd also not use a Q-tip, as it's hardly a precision instrument, but something a like tissue folded sharply (using the sharp corner and always wiping away from the autograph).

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 24, 2018 at 5:47pm

+1 I am one of those people - inscriptions/dedications add quality, context and another dimension to the autograph. Removal can certainly cause unexpected problems long term, especially with unusual chemicals or substances. I just hate the idea of "editing" parts of an autograph out. Suppose I found a Roger Waters LP made out to "Erick". Now, all I'd have to do is remove that "k" and it looks like it made to me. Is this OK? Not to me, and it is no different to me from other "editing". I also think of the odd halo sometimes left behind, which some astute collectors will avoid like the plague. "Market acceptable" and "acceptable to a serious long time collector" are not the same IMO. What sells fastest is not always what is best, IMO. Tim is correct - collect what you seek as you want it - please don't alter things. It is bad enough so much is ruined by those meaningless stupid little stickers!

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Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on March 26, 2018 at 7:52am

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Permalink Reply by James on March 27, 2018 at 8:37pm

I agree with you, Tim. Inscriptions don’t bother me at all. I’ve long believed that inscriptions and personalizations add character to the item. In my opinion, inscriptions should almost never lower an item’s value. My single-signed Babe Ruth ball is personalized. If I were a wealthy Babe Ruth collector, I would pay MORE for a Babe Ruth personalized ball than one without inscription. Plus, I seem to see fewer that are personalized than not, thus making the personalized ones more rare. The personalized autograph allows the collector of a vintage piece to imagine a point in time when a celebrity like Babe Ruth was interacting with a fan. It brings the autograph to life.

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Permalink Reply by 0daqnwz731p09 on March 24, 2018 at 5:59pm

I don't understand this logic. You idolize the celebrity in some way, and covet their handwritten signature, but not their handwriting in general? Wouldn't you prefer to have more of their handwriting? Isn't it like a bonus?

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 24, 2018 at 6:30pm

+1 Well stated. It is indeed a bonus to me! For authentication obviously (useful both ways - some go too far and add things that trip them up like dates and locations, handwriting aside), but for the additional context/dimension etc. very valuable to me. It can anchor the artists signature in time opposed to something like a balloon with no string. For me, I imagine the price divided by the number of letters. I love inscriptions! Sometimes, they will add definite value if the autograph is made out to someone special or for something special or at a special time. This takes research sometimes. But, this is the fun of the hobby - it IS ther hobby. In case it is not obvious, I do not collect, buy, sell or suggest items that have been edited/damaged (inscription/dedication removal), or simply vandalized/damaged with a free advertisements (stickers).

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Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on March 28, 2018 at 5:11am

You wonder how many people were they to find one of the few copies of Lincoln's Gettysburg address signed by him would say "Please help me find the best way to remove all this horrible inscription."