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Authenticity is Everything
On the qualities of an autographed item
Hi All,
Last night Paul and I were discussing the Hendrix SP Francesca posted and her question about "it's authentic, but is it good?", and I posted a list about the different potential qualities in an autograph that I have updated since I wrote it. I posted it there but we ran out of room in the discussion. The topic just came up again and Paul suggested a new discussion for continued conversation so I am posting this.
This list is just a start - it really needs additions and ideas/vantages from the members here (please add yours!). I include a snippet of the Hendrix SP discussion as it seems relevant, and the list beneath that:
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...This list is intended to stimulate organized thinking about the quality of an item, after authenticity of the autograph has been determined. Try running this Hendrix SP through this list and see where you come out. I expect it will be a very good result (not knowing the price) - this piece is rather incredible. I see the crease, some general wear, the stain at top and some contrast issues which I believe are totally compensated for by other qualities and just...what it is. I mean, it says "Jimi Hendrix Experience" for goodness sake - and even the Reverse is interesting with a date and more!
It is difficult to arrange this as there are so many variables, but this is in much better order than the last time I posted it (I hope!), with redundancies removed etc.. Additions to the list are very welcome. If everyone here added just one thing...
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Is the item vintage or more recent?
Is the item a marked official product (LP, CD, promotional photograph/still, ticket, etc.) or something else?
If an LP or CD, is this a first release or later release? If a photograph, it is a recent copy print or vintage print? A cheap computer print? That will be worth much less though it may not be stated - ask! Was the photograph developed on double or single weight paper? Is the image candid? Is it unique or unpublished? Is it signed, stamped, or marked and by who?
What is the overall condition – folds, spots, tape, fading, framing restoration etc. considering the item, its age, rarity & other factors (has it been trimmed, etc.)? If an LP, is the vinyl present? CD booklets intact, etc.?
Is the autograph contemporary to the item or added later?
Is the autograph in pencil, fountain, ballpoint or fiber/felt tip? Paint pen/metallic? Other? What instruments/inks are usually encountered with this type of item?
Is there an inscription (if any possible)? A dedication? Is it dated? Is this signature usually accompanied by a date etc.?
What is the condition of the autograph? Any smudging from signing or wear from storage (hairlines, scratches etc)? Has the ink changed color or faded?
Is there optimal contrast and placement of the autograph with regard to the image or other features? Does the ink color clash with the item? Does the autograph align with elements of the image and recede, rendering the signature less than noticeable? Does the autograph fight with the image or sit nicely? Is the autograph lost or is it overpowering?
Is this a clear, typical example of this signature or it is unusual for the period or artist?
Is the signature interesting/unusual/unique without the strength of the item?
What are the recent auction and sale results for similar material?
What is the frequency of similar material available with comparable presentation and/or condition?
In comparison with similar items for quality, is this mediocre, exceptional or something in between?
How does this fit in with other items I have collected using similar criterion?
Is this or a similar item offered anywhere else online for more/less?
What else can I buy with this amount of $?
If framed, is there hidden damage? Is this returnable?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on
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The only time I buy anything with a sticker is if it is a hard to find person or if it is really cheap. I believe the slapping a sticker especially on a vintage poster, photograph, album page etc. is tantamount to vandalism. I do not feel the long term effects of the adhesive is not fully understand either.
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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on
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I agree with both statements, Scott. I have yet to find an item that has been cleaned (thinking broadly across very different collections) or has a sticker or the like attached to it that I will accept. It never goes away. I can take some damage to a vintage item, if not fatal or in a primary focal area, reasonable age related toning or wear. But not cleaning or a sticker. When I say cleaning here I am thinking of certain things like brass or wood items. Its alteration to me. I suppose it would be akin to a signed photo with a removed inscription. It's a vantage I guess. If presented with - a wiped Frank Oz (?) - I would say "where is the inscription?"
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Permalink Reply by Paul on
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Some collectors would prefer a nicer clean graph that's and cheaper on a solo item eg Paul McCartney ,than a rushed sig on a Beatles album.
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What if the rushed McCartney is vintage and in ballpoint and the clean cheaper item is a later pressing with a later signature in fiber tipped pen?
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Most of the Beatles collectors love the vintage. Be nice if we could find examples for fun.
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I have on occasion bought an autograph only to find there was a missing inscription. Then I have to search to find another with an inscription intact. I guess I understand the "clean" signature only look but I think people are missing the big picture. I think autograph collectors are like antique collectors of the pre-1980 period and want to make everything look new and shiny. Lets peel off a beautiful period autograph album page and stick the signature on a vinyl record album. To my thinking doing that is akin to taking a 200 year old barn beam and making it into a chest on chest. The wood may be 200 years old but it is a recreation no longer original. That record album is now merely a host for the microscopic layer of ink and nothing more. I think future generations will lament this as much as antique collectors lament the stripping of antique furniture.
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I try to stay away from autographs that have been restored or manufactured in some way.
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beatles-John-Lennon-Signed-Autographed-Plea...
Here's one to think about.
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Have we seen this one before posted here?
It will please someone. The tattered condition and placement might well explain the BIN/BO etc. I'd not know how this LP compares to others or other LP's in terms of quantity seen etc for the vintage. In the parameters of this discussion, condition weighs this down quite a bit, unless there is some quality I am not seeing or picking up on (exact year this signature dates to, or something else etc.). What do you think Paul?
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Tracks uk has a PPM, signed by George for sale and if I wanted to make a set of ppm, it may be a cheap option , but it's been through the wars.
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Through these wars? Condition quite like the Lennon?
This potentially brings up another topic. What about cutting that Lennon out? If the Harrison is also in this shape, an argument could be made. And to secure the others with similar vintage and condition - terribly hard?
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There is another issue, perhaps relevant here. An older (restored) item has proven its stability. Like a copper or proof coin in a slab long term.
Eric
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