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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 Is it unique or unpublished?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 Eric Keith Longo on
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Hi Paul,
Thanks. What are some of the things you consider when purchasing...say a signed LP? This is a blatant attempt to get an addition to my list, yes ;) One thing not on the list (anymore) is size of the item. I guess it is obvious...but I once found I had purchased an app. 8 ft length of hand-carved walnut molding from the 1st class grand staircase of the Cunard liner R.M.S. Mauretania of 1907. I spent an incredible amount of time doing research, finding and working with archival photographs of the thing in situ, and only then, after buying, did I suddenly realize..."How am I going to disp...Hey! It's 8 feet long!" Sounds ridiculous, but I was so excited about the thing...to paraphrase Francesca - It was authentic, but it was not so good for display at 8 feet in length!
Eric
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Permalink Reply by Paul on
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First thing if an artist has passed away is what pressing the lp is. If it's a late pressing than it would be fake if the artist died in 1970 and the presing is an 1980 release.
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The more experienced collectors point things out that I don't pick up, like stamp marks over signatures on cheques and a bunch of things.
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I guess some of what I am asking is this - in your example, if the autograph was genuine but had something over it like stamp, how would this affect you? Like a check - if two authentic checks are in front of you and one has a more interesting payee but a stamp over part of the signature (not fatal), which would you prefer (other things being more or less equal)?
Eric
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Permalink Reply by Gary Dunaier on
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If enough of the signature was visible and the price was right, I'd consider buying it.
Sometimes you don't have a choice because most, if not all, of a person's checks have part of a bank stamp on the signature because that's how the bank processed them. And of course, there are checks drawn on British banks where it seems that part of the check-clearing process includes making some kind of a mark over the signature.
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Hi Gary,
I agree with you. If the payee is more than slightly interesting, I would choose the non-fatally stamped signed check. Thanks for your addition!
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That's a good point. Like a zip code mentioned in a letter from 1939. It is remarkable how many forgers just plod on without thinking or caring about the point you just raised. But, assuming it is authentic, what do you consider then? Condition first? Contrast? Placement or ink or? Do some care if a SP is an official promo photo from the label or a copy print? I see a few Bowie's poorly printed on low end PC paper trying to fetch the full value (or more) of a true professional quality photograph.
If a photo is marked and printed on double weight paper with a pearl finish, I certainly will pay more, and I'll mention that if I sell it as well. If there weren't so many variables, literally endless in amount, it would be great (would it be?) to assign some sort of number value to items on the list that could then be tallied in some way to provide a way to visualize all this. It would be a way to make comparisons between items, but not to reach any numerical statement of "grade/quality" as in other slabbed items
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Hi All,
One thing I did not think of - in a discussion of quality, does it matter to you if there is some sort of authenticity sticker on the front of an item? Do you prefer this? Better on the back? Not at all? I wonder if we were discussing...cars (?) or paintings (?), would people accept stickers so much?
Eric
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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on
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In my area of specialty, space autographs, stickers on the front of the item are the kiss of death and significantly reduce desirability. I can't tell you how many space collectors have told me they passed on an otherwise good item because there was a sticker on the front of a vintage NASA lithograph.
In general, it doesn't seem to bother most modern sports and entertainment collectors, but historical collectors avoid them like the plague.
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Thanks for the addition Steve. It appears this is a minority view, but I hold it myself.
Eric
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