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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 Is it unique or unpublished?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?

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on September 18, 2016 at 11:27pm

Now I have in front of me a 45 year old promotional photograph signed b/w photo of David Bowie - fine+ condition with both dedication and inscription in nice felt tip. But,there is quite noticeable (at angle) crescent shaped stripe that is an emulsion problem (flat area) from development along the right side. I have seen about four of these photographs. One was trimmed but good condition, Also a closeup or detail - it also had the same development problems and also cloudy surfaces. The other two I could not see well enough. And this has all white borders intact, so at least 1/3 of this will mat out. It shows only at an angle. In this case I think it just makes it, re "qualities". The emulsion problem is, IMO, slightly compensated by the whole "vintage" thing, and the signature is full and strong with much handwriting. I'll keep it.

Eric

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Permalink Reply by Francesco Collina on September 21, 2016 at 6:43am

I am happy that from my previous post http://live.autographmagazine.com/forum/topics/jimi-hendrix-exp-sig... was born this interesting discussion (of course with the great job of ERIC).

We all know that autographs as well as being an enjoyable hobby, are also a way of investment.

Therefore, once sure about authenticity, what are ither key elements that make autograph or autographed item more desirable? What are the main features you look at when you buy an autograph?

As far as i am concerned I usually look at the item that has been signed (conditions, dimensions) and at the conditions of signatures including contrast.

This is the reason why I wrote on that J. Hendrix E. signed card: item could be very interesting but contrast did not convince me at all.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on September 22, 2016 at 11:00pm

Here is a thought to consider - "that framed cut might be hiding a problem!"

Always examine out of frame if possible and/or have a return policy in place.

That's another things - what is the return policy?

Eric

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on October 5, 2016 at 5:25pm

Hi All...

When is an index card not an index card? ("When there's two dining rooms!" - if you get this reference, do let me know)...

So, Thomas Hoving, Director of the Metropolitan Museum in NYC, and accomplices, are in some museum examining an El Greco ("The Moor" or some such), and they get the guard out the room with some excuse or other...quickly the painting is removed from the wall and turned over - there, on the back, folded over and nailed down, is...a lot of the painting! Quick calculations are done, X$ per square inch becomes quite different when the painting is considerably larger and has a finer composition! A sale is made!

Today I received "an autographed index card". I looked at...brown stains. Hmm. But, they wipe off the plastic sleeves. This thing has been in this sleeve for 40 years! A lot of nice texture for a card. It's...folded? Is it...oh! It is stationary! Quick! Look for a - yes, there is a fine Italian or French watermark. This thing is twice the size it's supposed to be! The autograph approaches 3x5! So, "an autographed index card in marker" becomes "a superb signature in black ink signed with a fiber tipped pen on finely woven stationary, with one original fold, bearing an XXXX watermark and crafted by..."

Eric