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Exploiting death.

I've been a collector for decades, and have seen the hobby go through many changes. Some good, others not so much. 

One of the things that bothers me is how fast signatures of recently deceased appear for sale. Sometimes within minutes of the announcement.

I well understand the motives, competitive factor and psychology why this happens. But I find it crass, insensitive and disrespectful. Currently Betty White is an example. It was utterly insane when Kobe Bryant passed away. And in almost every instance of a well known figure this happens.

To me, it reveals that the collector has no interest or attachment to the memorabilia of the deceased. Things are just merchandise, alive or dead. Which I do recognize as a an element of the business side of things. But please, at least wait till the body is cold before trying to cash in on knee jerk reflex reaction. 

As well, fakes and fraud are often more likely at such times when emotional instinct is highest. Market value always increases with death, but is it so cut throat a hobby/business that a day or two can't go by before rushing out over priced items?

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on January 2, 2022 at 1:27pm

Personally, I have no problem with someone selling an recently deceased person's autograph. I'm not sure how many sellers were actually "hoarding" Betty White's signature just waiting for her to pass away. Not many I would assume.

But, I do have issues with people forging her signature or selling secretarial signatures because they are clueless. Those are scumbags!

Permalink Reply by Dan Morris on January 2, 2022 at 3:33pm

I agree Joe, people forging or knowlingly selling secretarial or faks when someone dies are the lowest of the low.

I do know a couple of dealers who used to compile lists of people they deemed likely to pass soon or vulnerable such as older actors and those in dangerous sports such as Motor Racing and they would have a few of each in case. I imagine sometimes you can make big money and other times not so much depending on whether they die suddenly at a younger age compared to dying in their 90s

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