|
Chapter IX: Autograph Values
This issue has become a problem for new collectors. There are
autograph price guides available but even a current one is basically
outdated by time it reaches your hands. Get on the mailing list
of dealers who issue catalogs. This is a good way of getting
a basic idea of what things are worth and you may see something
you want to add to your collection. Occasionally, you may find
the near identical signature for twice the amount of money elsewhere.
There are reasons for this as one dealer may be working out of
their home and the other has the expenses of a shop or office
in a high profile area. A dealer could be a one person operation,
the other may have an employee or two. When you make up your
mind that there is a certain signature you want to obtain, call
a few dealers and ask if they have the signature and what they
are charging for the item. Most professionals should be quite
close on price. Keep one thing always in mind and that is if
you see a signature of Lincoln which you know should sell for
$3500-4500 and it is being sold by a dealer or available in an
auction for $1500 run as fast as you can. There are few bargains
with any quality material. If the item was genuine, everyone
who wants a genuine Lincoln signature will be bidding. It will
always sell for close to what it is worth. Just about every single
time someone comes to me bragging about what a great bargain
they got at auction, the item tends to be fake. They got a bargain
because those who knew the item was not genuine did not bid!
-
- Chapter X: Preserving Your Collection
(Continued)
-
|