We are an eBay affiliate and may be compensated for clicks on links that result in purchases.

Is a smudged signature better than no signature at all?

I'd like to know from seasoned collectors who have that one seemingly unobtainable signature they constantly search for, but when they do find it, the signature is smudged. What do you do? Is a smudge signature better than no signature at all? Similar to half-a-loaf of bread is better than no bread at all.

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on April 13, 2024 at 10:41am

In some cases yes. A signature on a desirable item may have some faults if compensated for with other qualities. such as scarcity of the signature.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on April 13, 2024 at 10:48am

Only a madman would turn away from this because of the smudge of the "l". Wait for another and you might die of old age.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jason H on April 13, 2024 at 11:02am

Oh man, this is so slight that I wouldn't consider it a problem at all.. you are right, someone searching for a Gleason would be crazy to pass because of that..

Here is my Belushi. A bit more smudged but I still don't see it as a fault

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on April 13, 2024 at 11:06am

Neither do I.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jason H on April 13, 2024 at 10:55am

For me, if im looking to buy and its the only one available, ill pass. just because I know I will never be completely happy. I've been down that road in other ways. I know if I did buy it, id still be constantly looking for one thats not smudged. Essentially it would just be a placeholder.

On the otherhand, I do own a John Belushi that is slightly smudged. Its not terrible though. The album cover it is on was not taken care of before I found it. Definitely shows its age but I think the slight smudge adds to the character of the item as a whole being almost 50 years old. Im completely fine with it.

Probably depends on how bad of a smudge and how legible the signature is.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on April 13, 2024 at 11:04am

Here are other examples. The 1968 Nimoy is smudged and faded - and nearly impossible to replace. Especially as Spock. The 1949 (NOT 1950) Sunset Blvd/Swanson ink is faded and perhaps lifted/smudged - but as Swanson is seen signing this image as Norma Desmond in the film it has no bearing. The double weight studio marked photo and matte finish also help. Some here have called it unique, the finest. It is context. It is not like a smudged John Agar on a restrike still.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JMS1223 on April 13, 2024 at 11:23am

Those are so amazing. The smudging wouldn’t bother me at all given the excellent photos that are signed.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on April 13, 2024 at 2:11pm

Thank you so much. Here is one more. Many of these super glossy Chertavian Art Gallery programs were smudged. They are from Bowie's first one man show. Not easy to find at all.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on April 13, 2024 at 4:50pm

I believe I have seen this before and said that is such a great one to have. The perfect thing is as you say seeing her sign those in Sunset. One of my favorite movies albeit my favorite movies number in the 100s. I have a John Verzi card of Gloria Swanson.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on April 13, 2024 at 2:31pm

In a perfect world I would love all of my autographs to be pristine on acid-free stock etc., but that ain't going to happen. I really do not mind smudges all that much. I have some that have blots too. If it is authenticate, I will overlook a lot. Of course, collectors all have our own ideas some refuse to buy anything that is inscribed, and that likely is why that wonderful Gleason postcard was hacked to pieces! Here is smudged John Verzi of Betty Kean (Jane's sister) she uncommon.