Why autographs?

[sbfinley]

Originally Posted by jgmp123

Keep in mind that "rare" cards can be faked just as easy as autographs....maybe even easier depending on the autograph.

True, but I am comfortable with my opinion when it come to cardboard. There isn't a card in my collection that I ever pause for a moment and question its authenticity. I couldn't even pull the trigger on a single signed Mantle ball, however, and even though I really would like one in my collection I doubt that I would ever be 100% certain about its authenticity unless the way I view autographs changes. I guess that my main issue is that although I want to expand into this region of the hobby, I cannot justify the expense of doing so without more faith in the matter.

[jgmp123]

I get that, but I also feel that if there aren't collectors/sellers that you can trust, then I wouldn't bother with it. I will offer the advice that was given to me a while back to seek out trusted individuals for your collections...That information is completely free and available from a great deal of good people here.

[quinnsryche]

Depending on what media you want to collect the autos on, you could go the signed card route. Cards issued by the big companies (Topps, UD etc. ) are guaranteed and I have never heard anyone say an official auto'd issue is no good. There are many avenues to collect autos with the PSA/DNA sticker affixed which is a pretty good COA these days IMO. Know who you are buying from and educate yourself and you'll likely do ok.

[travrosty]

take your time collecting the autographs, dont rush and buy something you might regret later, forget the big company tpa's, find a couple of dealers you trust, buy from them, i can refer you in a pm in you would like. and enjoy. if 90% are fake, just collect the 10% that are good.

[Leon]

If, and I don't plan on it right now, I were going to collect autographs they would almost solely be on legal documents. I might even go as far as to only collect notarized ones. That might be the only way I could sleep at night. That's just me and I know there are a ton of happy autograph collectors. I am happy they are happy.

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by Leon

If, and I don't plan on it right now, I were going to collect autographs they would almost solely be on legal documents. I might even go as far as to only collect notarized ones. That might be the only way I could sleep at night. That's just me and I know there are a ton of happy autograph collectors. I am happy they are happy.

We are also masochists.

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by sbfinley

True, but I am comfortable with my opinion when it come to cardboard. There isn't a card in my collection that I ever pause for a moment and question its authenticity. I couldn't even pull the trigger on a single signed Mantle ball, however, and even though I really would like one in my collection I doubt that I would ever be 100% certain about its authenticity unless the way I view autographs changes. I guess that my main issue is that although I want to expand into this region of the hobby, I cannot justify the expense of doing so without more faith in the matter.

How long did it take you to reach that comfort level? Buy the players you feel comfortable authenticating, and on the 'toughies' get an opinion (or purchase ) from someone you trust.

I am getting better at Mantle. It has been a gradual process, over a year at least. (Some have become experts in a few days ) At this point I still wouldn't buy a Mantle on my say so. When someone asks my opinion, it is based on the question "Would I be comfortable buying this?"

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Deertick

How long did it take you to reach that comfort level? Buy the players you feel comfortable authenticating, and on the 'toughies' get an opinion (or purchase ) from someone you trust.

I am getting better at Mantle. It has been a gradual process, over a year at least. (Some have become experts in a few days ) At this point I still wouldn't buy a Mantle on my say so. When someone asks my opinion, it is based on the question "Would I be comfortable buying this?"

This is my philosophy almost exactly. I'm not interested in Mantle so I haven't attempted to learn his signature, but you can substitute 'Ruth' for 'Mantle', and I'm in the same boat. With Ruth, it's actually gotten worse for me. There was a point where I felt good about my abilities, but given how many seemingly bad ones are deemed 'good' by the experts on this forum, I've lost a bit of confidence.

You can also reduce your risk by going Leon's route, but I don't like the looks of such documents, so I've gone for handwritten letters.

Steve - I also have to feel the same way about my autographed items that I feel about my cards. If I don't, then I get rid of the item.

[earlywynnfan]

Originally Posted by sbfinley

True, but I am comfortable with my opinion when it come to cardboard. There isn't a card in my collection that I ever pause for a moment and question its authenticity. I couldn't even pull the trigger on a single signed Mantle ball, however, and even though I really would like one in my collection I doubt that I would ever be 100% certain about its authenticity unless the way I view autographs changes. I guess that my main issue is that although I want to expand into this region of the hobby, I cannot justify the expense of doing so without more faith in the matter.

Perhaps you want to start off with a niche that's not so prone to forgeries. I went through Negro League autos and currently seek out WWII players. These aspects of baseball history are very interesting to me, and although I usually just hear crickets when I post my finds -- even from the die-hard, obscure collectors! -- I still get the thrill of the chase without usually having to reach too far into my wallet.

Plus, and I'm sure I'm being naive here, my risk of owning forgeries is far less than most. Is it possible my Lee Moody or Moe Burtschy balls are fake? I guess so, but even if they are, I'm not out much. (And I'd almost have to commend a forger who took the time to learn those sigs and had the patience to wait for me to come along!)

Ken