What constitutes a "full" Prince signature?

I think many people think that a full Prince signature is signed "Prince", and that an autograph of "P +" or "P '88" is not a "full" autograph. But I disagree. By 1988, Prince tended to sign things "P +" or "P '88". But that's the way he signed then. At that time that was his autograph. For all intents and purposes, that was his signature. If Prince had walked into a bank and signed the signature cards that you have to sign at a bank, and he signed them "P +", that would constitute his legal signature, not a partial. It would be his full legal signature.

Just today, at RR Auction, a Prince signed birthday card sold for about $8144 with buyer's premium. It was signed "Love God P '88". That one sold for more than any of the ones signed "Prince". That buyer didn't care, because "P '88" WAS Prince's autograph in 1988. There's no asterisk. If you have an autograph of "P +" or "P '88", then you have a real Prince autograph without qualifications! Period.

What's your take? And by the way, no one should let go of a Prince autograph, even a small cut for less than $2000, probably more. The results of RR Auction show that Prince autographs are skyrocketing, and in my opinion, will go much, much higher still.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on September 14, 2016 at 10:46pm

There all great but I suppose it comes down to taste and appeal, that card was really nice. It's what Eric and I have been discussing a little, contrast etc. What makes an autograph more appealing to collectors.

Permalink Reply by James on September 14, 2016 at 10:54pm
So true. Mine is signed "Prince" also like yours, but I just look at the others as legitimate autographs as well. But what the autograph is signed on makes a HUGE difference for sure. One never knows for sure, I suppose, how appealing their item is until it's put up for auction. I know that photo that sold for $8100 was a "Purple Rain" photo, but the other one went for about $7100 with BP and it was not a Purple Rain thing. It's to the point where if a Prince autograph is signed on anything decent, it's going to go for over $4000 now.
Permalink Reply by Paul on September 14, 2016 at 10:57pm

I know James ,then there are the few for picking, Bjarne is selling his 2200 obo.

The question I ask myself, do I sell or hold onto my lp because I don't have a crystal ball to tell me what the market will do in the future.

Permalink Reply by James on September 14, 2016 at 11:00pm
Ya I don't know. That's a tricky question. Depends. I mean if you're looking to get something else, like another artist, or you just want to cash in. His stuff is so hard to come by that I really think it will keep going up.
Permalink Reply by Paul on September 14, 2016 at 11:03pm

Yes your right and he did give up signing. His legacy will stand I'm sure.

Permalink Reply by Paul on September 15, 2016 at 12:01am
I just want to say if anyone who likes Prince,,need to listen to the remixes he made for single, there amazing to say the least.
Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on September 15, 2016 at 12:12am

I see what James is saying. To me, it's like some 8x10's, or perhaps some LPs, of this artist or that - if all that was generally available was a b/w 8x10 and a b/w pen, it is really "bad contrast" - all of the others were signed the same way. Along this thinking, it then comes to placement, other factors and condition of course. Paul makes a good point - overall, eye appeal is a huge factor, up there with condition. And the card mentioned has the nice mix of all/many qualities, combined. I agree with James as well - what is signed, as well as how. One never knows exactly what will do well, but by trying to make sure the photo is an official print, or is signed or even © by this or that photographer, and has as many of the other qualities Paul and I are discussing in the other thread ("qualities of an autograph"), chances are good you will do well IMO. It comes to the potential next buyer in some cases - as one can't predict his/her priorities, all one can do, I think, is try hard to grab as many of the tangible endowments that comprise "quality" as one can.

Permalink Reply by wascher on September 15, 2016 at 2:45am

All in the eye of the beholder.  To me more is MORE :)  I like more on autographs because they add more to look at.  An MJ item with just his signature is cool.  But an MJ item with a lot more writing adds to the value in my eyes because MJ's is so often forged, and you can't forge MJ's writing, its not an easy one to forge.  But I'd never call something incomplete if that's their signing style during that period. 

BTW James did you see the 3 MJ's and 2 Janets going as a package for 2400 on eBay?  A steal imo.  One could easily sell off 2 MJ's and both Janets (if you don't want those) and break even keeping 1 MJ.  Lots of writing!  Absolutely authentic.

Permalink Reply by Paul on September 15, 2016 at 2:55am
I like that saying, more is more.
Do you have the link to the mjs on ebay?
Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on September 15, 2016 at 4:34am

I agree with Washer! More is definitely more! It is very interesting to me how each collector decides what qualities they choose to seek and why, so I am hoping for many contribution to the "Qualities of an Autograph" thread (hint hint). :)

Eric

Permalink Reply by wascher on September 15, 2016 at 4:56am

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPER-RARE-Autographed-Signed-Photos-Michae... Ended and she came down to 2300 (or he). 

Someone should write to her/him and offer 2k :)

Permalink Reply by Paul on September 15, 2016 at 5:07am
Hell yeah, awesome set of graphs. Janet had some great songs as well.

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