Autograph Collecting

Autograph Collecting for Beginners

Autograph collecting, also called philography, can be fun and rewarding. Some people are happy to get an autograph from their favorite celebrity and stop there, while others pursue many different autographs. If you're interested in the collection of autographs, the first thing you should know is how to tell a real, hand-signed autograph from a fake.

The signed photos that are sent to many celebrities' fan club members are almost always going to be reproductions. It's unlikely that the celebrity is going to sit down and individually sign hundreds or thousands of photos. Often, the autograph is a photocopy, has been signed by an assistant or secretary, or was done with the use of a device called an autopen. If you want an authentic celebrity autograph, the best way to obtain one is either in person or via a written request.

It's going to be difficult to obtain an autograph in person unless you know where and when the celebrities of your choice are going to be signing. Even then, you will probably need to deal with lots of other fans who also want an autograph. It can be quite hectic to get your favorite star's autograph this way. If you decide to write instead, there are some ways to increase your chances of success.

First, make sure you write a polite autograph request that expresses your appreciation of the celebrity's work. Do not enclose any gift items or personal photos. You will need to enclose a photo or index card for the celebrity to sign, and a self addressed stamped envelope. Sometimes, you will get lucky and actually get a real autograph back. Other times, you will receive a form letter that tells you to join the fan club. Then there are times when you'll hear nothing back at all.

No one said autograph collecting was easy. But it can be profitable, especially if you are able to obtain rare autographs that other collectors are willing to pay big money for. Even if you don't have a collection worth a lot of money, you do have some memorabilia from your favorite celebrities that you can keep for years to come. Some autographs will appreciate in value over the years, so take good care of your collection. This means keeping it away from moisture, heat and light, and storing it in a sturdy autograph book or file cabinet.

Prize Autographs News:

Tasmania pleased with the Hawks but still wants own team (The West Australian)
Tasmania still wants its own AFL team. Premier David Bartlett today said the state was thrilled Hawthorn, the Melbourne-based AFL team it sponsors, won the 2008 premiership. But while that success r..

Babe: Ripken rookie card the prize in 82 vending boxes - Record-Searchlight

Babe: Ripken rookie card the prize in 82 vending boxes
Record-Searchlight, CA - Sep 21, 2008
EURœIts hard to say about the rules book without knowing all the names,EUR said Mike Breeden, an autograph expert and editor of Tuff Stuffs autograph guide. .

Win Hi-5 Prize Packs! - The Dominion Post

Win Hi-5 Prize Packs!
The Dominion Post, New Zealand - Sep 23, 2008
Meet and greet with all five cast members with the opportunity to take photos and get their autographs. An official Hi-5 prize pack containing a DVD, CD, .

My Latest Banter Column about the Cubs Convention
There were many programs that I did want to attend however, I had to choose between the talking conversations or getting the few prize autographs that I wanted and I chose the autographs. I would have preferred to attend Lou Piniella ...

Sport (The West Australian)
Tasmania still wants its own AFL team. Premier David Bartlett today said the state was thrilled Hawthorn, the Melbourne-based AFL team it sponsors, won the 2008 premiership...

Determining the Value of Muhammad Ali Autographs
Purchasing any celebrity autograph can be a daunting process. It can be difficult to tell whether or not you're looking at an authentic signature. This is why reputable autograph dealers will offer a lifetime guarantee of authenticity ...

Finding Autograph Dealers You Can Trust
There are multiple organizations devoted to the ethical collection and sale of autographs. The Professional Autograph Dealer's Association (PADA), the Universal Autograph Collector's Club (UACC) and the International Autograph Dealers ...

Tips for Finding an Authentic Tiger Woods Autograph
So, how do you tell a real Woods autograph from a fake? It can be difficult. One telltale sign is that if you come across an autographed golf ball, it's probably a forgery because those who know claim that Tiger doesn't sign golf balls. ...

Academy Award-Winning Actor Paul Newman Dies at 83 (Washington Post)
Paul Newman, 83, the actor and sex symbol who surged to stardom by playing loners as well as criminal and moral outlaws -- anything to downplay his astonishing looks -- died of cancer Friday at his farmhouse near Westport, Conn...

Local roundup (Sept. 29): Roughriders Super Bowl for Kidsport goes Sunday (Regina Leader-Post)
The second annual Saskatchewan Roughriders' Super Bowl for KidSport charity bowling event will be on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Glencairn Bolodrome...

An Appreciation of Prof. William T. Keeton - Cornell University The Cornell Daily Sun

An Appreciation of Prof. William T. Keeton
Cornell University The Cornell Daily Sun, NY - 4 hours ago
Roald Hoffman, subsequently the recipient of a Nobel Prize, and Prof. Carl Sagan, at the time known to the general public through frequent appearances on .

Peter Williams: Ryder Cup stands out in a year of momentous events - New Zealand Herald

Peter Williams: Ryder Cup stands out in a year of momentous events
New Zealand Herald, New Zealand - Sep 27, 2008
After his win he was in the gallery, high-fiving, hugging fans and signing autographs. Kim is creating a sense of excitement on a golf course not seen since .

Tips for Collecting Baseball Autographs
A word of caution for anyone looking to purchase baseball autographs is to be very careful when shopping online. This is because it's harder to determine the authenticity of an autograph simply by looking at a picture of it on the ...

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