Fading Signatures

Hi everyone.

I am considering buying a set of Beatles autographs. They are signed in an autograph book in black fountain pen. They are perfectly legible (50+ years later) but I am worried about fading. They are, obviously, a lot of money and I am frightened about shelling out ... only for it to start to fade in 5 or 10 years time. 

Apologies if it's a novice and oft asked question - I'm fully aware to keep it out of sunlight etc. I just wondered if it's better to buy ball-point pen signatures instead of fountain ink ones? I just can't seem to find any concrete answers anywhere. Does anyone else have experience of black fountain pen lasting for years and years, if properly looked after?

Many thanks in advance for your expertise ... I don't post often here but am an avid reader of your site and forums. Thanks, Jonathan

Tags: autographs, black, fading, fountain, ink, pen

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Permalink Reply by James on December 16, 2019 at 1:42am

I would not worry about black fountain pen autographs especially ones in a book.  I have a JFK signed hardback book, and Kennedy’s inscription and signature are in black fountain pen and still going strong 62 years later (it was signed in Nov. 1957).  And just think of all the centuries-old documents signed in black fountain pen and still legible to this day.  In fact, John Hancock’s John Hancock is still quite large and bold on the Declaration of Independence!  So I wpuld say...no worries with fountain pen autographs.  At least that’s my thought.

Permalink Reply by HangingOnTheWall on December 16, 2019 at 2:18am

Thanks James. Appreciate the advice.

Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on December 16, 2019 at 6:35pm

I agree with James.  The ink should survive for many years.

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