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Bernie Taupin signed book.. should I cut?

apologies if this does not belong here. I figured I'd ask in this thread since Taupin is just as much a part of Eltons music as Elton is..

I recently acquired a book signed by Bernie "The One Who Writes The Words". It is my 2nd Taupin autograph. The other being a JSA authenticated check. One of these will go into a collection im constantly putting together for my daughter. The other is for me to keep. Im thinking about cutting the signature out of the book and matting with an Elton signature since im most likely keeping the book for myself. I have a small collection of signed books but 90% of the books in my collection, I cut the autographs out. Im not a fan of having an autograph hidden inside a book ill only read once. The books I collect for my daughter are remaining uncut as to let her make her own decision in the future.

Im wondering if there is a good reason not to cut out this signature? If I decide to sell my collection on 30 years for retirement money or whatever, will I regret not having this signature in the book?

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Permalink Reply by JMS1223 on March 30, 2022 at 11:01am

If someone was selling one already cut I would buy it since it would be cheaper too. It seems there are no signatures available. I am also picky and refuse to buy anything with an authentication sticker on it. I can’t stand those things. I like my autographs without things added to them. I need a signature by itself so I can put it with my Barack Obama signature.

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Permalink Reply by JK on March 31, 2022 at 3:06am

As a collector I see myself as custodian of the things in my collection. I consider it my responsibility to preserve these artifacts for the future custodians.

In general, I am opposed to butchering documents or books. There are plenty of exceptions, such as damaged items where removing the signatures gives them a new life, or current mass-produced collectables (the Renegades book might be a good example).

There are tons of historic autographs which were cut from documents decades or centuries ago which would have been so much more important and valuable in their original form.

In regard to the Bernie Taupin book that started this thread, I would suggest selling it to someone who appreciates it for what it is, and then buying a signature for framing. Since the possibility of selling in the future was mentioned, this suggestion is even more relevant.

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Permalink Reply by JK on March 31, 2022 at 3:10am

On a side note, I can't believe how much the Taupin checks have increased in value since the time some years ago when they were very common.

I am pretty sure I bought one back when celebrity checks were plentiful on ebay. I'll have to dig around and find it.

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Permalink Reply by Jason H on April 3, 2022 at 1:40pm

Since its been a few days, I want to let everyone in on my decision.. in my case, since I have 2 taupin autographs, I decided to swap the signed check from my daughters collection. I will have the book authenticated and, in 20 years or so, ill let her decide if she wants it cut or not (probably not at that time)

I've learned a lot with this thread being so in depth. Thank you all for contributing. Overall, I still feel there are tiers, different levels, of signed books and their overall importance for keeping them intact. I feel there is a line for when it is acceptable and when you should absolutely refrain.

Another example of this, I purchased a Kal Penn signed book for $15 over Christmas. At this time, there are many available out there. Its not a very limited item. I did choose to cut this autograph as I also just recently purchased an autographed John Cho book. For my collection, I want to have these autographs matted together with a picture of Harold and Kumar.

Granted, in 50 years, we have no clue if these items will be highly sought after. Kal Penn may one day stop WW3 and destroy Putin.. he could become a worldwide hero.. very unlikely but these are things that need to be considered. I agree that integrity of items should be maintained.. but, in the case of these 2 items which were tipped in.. their integrity started off as a single page tl anyways. I will have more joy in having these signatures matted together than worrying about a small amount of value possibly lost from cutting. It is also possible that the value increased by being matted. Regardless of what was said earlier, there is a market for cut autographs. I will not list the pros and cons here. Thats for you to decide for yourself.

As for the Taupin signed book.. there may have been a time when this autographed book was widely available. That time has passed. He is a musical legend just as much so as Elton John in my opinion.. his autograph is extremely limited in numbers compared to Eltons. There will come a time where people will wish they were able to obtain a Taupin signature to have with their Elton. I may even look for a 3rd in the near future.

For anyone out there who stumbled upon this thread, deciding whether they should cut a signature from a book not... my advice to you is read through this entire thread, let it sink in for a few days and see how you feel after. It can be a very personal choice. Left within the book, the option to cut will always be there.. once cut, there is no going back. Be certain of your decision so you will have no regrets. Remember, worth and value are not always a monetary decision. Do what is best for your happiness.

I can now move on from this dilemma, and spend more time in the never ending fight against autopens