Authenticity is Everything
Pencil autographs storage
Hi everyone.
I have recently acquired a pencil autograph inside an old autograph book (1960s).
I tend to keep my autographs in storage boxes, away from light etc. Not on display.
In terms of storage, do people feel it's safest to keep the book OPEN on the page of the autograph. Or CLOSED? I wasn't sure whether movement, pages closed or rubbing etc might rub the pencil? However, it has been stored closed - and OK - for decades!
I think I'm a bit confused - erring on the side of caution - as I've never owned pencil autographs before!
Any input, thoughts or advice greatly appreciated!
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Findbooks on
-
Pencil signatures are common in the art world - something which your user-name suggests that you should probably be aware of :-)
I am not a paper conservationist but this sounds like a good example of an old adage - "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"
-
Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on
-
If it is indeed graphite, it is very stable apart from smudging. You described a system of storage that has proven itself for over 50 years. Why change? Agree with Findbooks.
-
Permalink Reply by eddy on
-
I've had some pencil signatures in my collection and trading inventory over time.
Attaching 2 of my favorite pencil signatures that were on a card with a "related" fountain pen one.
These links on pencil signed autographs might be of interest:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Autographs/comments/lmns74/louis_armstrong...
https://www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/002173.html
-
-
I find them very stable as long as they are not subject to friction. The second link supports this. The question always remains "...is pure graphite or some other combination of materials..." which is why some items appear to fade but that vast majority do not. The vintage material is almost always graphite. I have seen some sort of "crayonish" material (c. 1950's-60's) which is likely grease pencil or the like. I avoid these. Silverpoint, while comparatively rarely used, is a great material - its oxidization often makes or darker. If it appears lighter, it is usually the substrate that has darkened.
-
-
Thank you.
-
-
Thanks for the replies so far. Am leaning towards keeping the book closed and perhaps placing some sort of separating paper between the autograph page and the rest of the closed book. Obviously acid free but am still looking into what else is best. Tracing paper has been suggested but I don't know. I think I am a bit edgy as I know the previous owner just left it in a drawer etc so it went undisturbed for a long time.
-
-
Mylar? There would be no abrasion.
-
-
Thanks for the suggestion. I will have a look into this.
-
-
Is there the possibility of simply removing the autograph page in question from book? Collectors and dealers pull autographs all the time from albums.
-
-
Hi Eddy.
Yes, absolutely removing the page is an option. However, personally, I do like to keep them inside autograph books (where applicable) as I like them in their original state, as it were. Do you do anything different in particular to store your pencil ones?
-
-
I do understand about desiring to keep them in the original autograph books. Certainly, some context is lost when removed.
I'm not as careful as I probably should be, at times.
I keep most of mine in top loaders or those acid-free ITOYA books that Michael's sells:
https://www.michaels.com/product/itoya-art-profolio-10998987?cm_mmc...
-
-
Indeed, there is something magical about flipping through an old autograph book with a few good names. You never know what's next. :-)
© 2025 Created by Steve Cyrkin, Admin.
Powered by
Badges | Report an Issue | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
