HOF Autograph Collection Question?

Huck · #1 02-08-2025, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

May I ask, why do you think signed 8x10s are not heavily collected anymore? Why do you think their prices suck now? Signed photos use to be so cool in the 1980�s. What happened?

There are thousands of signed stock color photographs the promoter offers at shows. Plus behind the curtain, the player is signing a stack of the same photograph to make the piece count for the promoter. The stock photographs are just overdone. I used to purchase b&w photographs by George Brace when his daughter was hawking them from a website. She eventually sold the inventory to Getty images.

If you are going to go purchase signed photographs I would look for unique not massed produced shots.

I came late to Perez-Steele. Yes, the art is a little funky on some of the cards (ex. Yount) but I wish that I had started sooner on getting the cards signed.

homerunhitter · #2 02-08-2025, 04:01 PM

Thanks guys, I appreciate your thoughts on this.

I did not know that there are a lot of forgery when it comes to 8x10s so, I appreciate this heads up. 8x10s are off my list! (Dont need the headache of buying a forged or possibly forged 8x10)

bjerome · #3 02-08-2025, 10:36 PM

I don't have a particular medium that I am focused on. I do like Baseballs, but in the event the most reasonable way for me to obtain a particular autograph is to get it on a card, index card, photo, etc., I will add that piece to my collection. I am personally one who wants to get the signature in my collection, but in the way that is most reasonable to my pocketbook.

Duluth Eskimo · #4 02-11-2025, 09:04 PM

You should buy what you like and not care what other people think. The most forged item is a cut signature depending on value age of the signature. The most plentiful is generally index cards or 8x10 photos. If you like photos, buy photos and don�t let someone else determine what you like to collect.

Republicaninmass · #5 02-12-2025, 07:10 AM

There are signed cards

Then everything else much lower including exhibits

homerunhitter · #6 02-12-2025, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duluth Eskimo

You should buy what you like and not care what other people think. The most forged item is a cut signature depending on value age of the signature. The most plentiful is generally index cards or 8x10 photos. If you like photos, buy photos and don�t let someone else determine what you like to collect.

I do like photos, but knowing now based on your statement that most are forged, why would I want to collect them?

Also since you said that cut signatures are the most forged, do those include the upper deck legendary cuts autographs that you can find in packs? Or the Perez steele postcards that have cuts on them that have been authenticated by PSA? Thanks

Bigdaddy · #7 02-12-2025, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

I do like photos, but knowing now based on your statement that most are forged, why would I want to collect them?

Also since you said that cut signatures are the most forged, do those include the upper deck legendary cuts autographs that you can find in packs? Or the Perez steele postcards that have cuts on them that have been authenticated by PSA? Thanks

Most items authenticated by PSA or JSA are authentic. Sure there are ones that slip by and yet still others that are authentic that do not get their stamp. Unless you are really going to deep dive to be able to authenticate an auto yourself, then I'd recommend buying either a previously authenticated auto from a reputable TPG (PSA, JSA) or buy it from a reputable auction house/dealer. Neither of these will absolutely guarantee an auto, but it will increase your odds of acquiring authentic autos. Also, for HOFers that are still alive, most do public/private signings a couple of times per year.

I'll throw out a couple good dealers and let others chime in with auction houses.

Denver Autographs - they are in charge of the signings at CSA shows.
Mill Creek Sports - West Coast Dealer that conducts some private signings and also has a lot of inventory.
Main Line Autographs - based in Pittsburgh, hosts a big auto-themed show once a year and has a lot of inventory, much of it from their signings.
Tom Orr/Atomic Sports - Lots of contemporary autos of HOFers and conducts multiple signings through out the year. Cards, HOF Plaques, Balls, PS postcards, etc.

And if you are on FB, the "Out or Safe?!" Baseball Signature Review, LLC group is a good reference, providing opinions on photos of items submitted to them ($6/signature). I would claim that they are as good as most TPAs.

SportsCollectors.net is also a generally good group ($15/year) with members offering up regular private signings. Just check the 'Member References' section as a couple of folks have provided less than great service. Tom Orr (above) is a member here and lists his signings. Also has a good list of HOFers that sign through-the-mail (TTM), usually for a fee. This includes Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Ryne Sandberg, Bert Blyleven, etc.

Finally, do a search and commit to memory the several TPAs that are absolute trash, because you will run across items with their certifications. Run away from them and any dealer that peddles their crap. And familiarize yourself with Coaches Corner and the absolute garbage that they peddle. Their wares sometimes show up in other's auctions. I cannot believe how they have not been convicted and sent to jail already.

Note that most of the above pertains to newer HOFers and autos. For pre-war autos that many on here collect, that's really a whole other story. Jim Stinson, a member here, is one of several good dealers.

Finally (and this time I mean it), remember "If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't"

homerunhitter · #8 02-12-2025, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

Most items authenticated by PSA or JSA are authentic. Sure there are ones that slip by and yet still others that are authentic that do not get their stamp. Unless you are really going to deep dive to be able to authenticate an auto yourself, then I'd recommend buying either a previously authenticated auto from a reputable TPG (PSA, JSA) or buy it from a reputable auction house/dealer. Neither of these will absolutely guarantee an auto, but it will increase your odds of acquiring authentic autos. Also, for HOFers that are still alive, most do public/private signings a couple of times per year.

I'll throw out a couple good dealers and let others chime in with auction houses.

Denver Autographs - they are in charge of the signings at CSA shows.
Mill Creek Sports - West Coast Dealer that conducts some private signings and also has a lot of inventory.
Main Line Autographs - based in Pittsburgh, hosts a big auto-themed show once a year and has a lot of inventory, much of it from their signings.
Tom Orr/Atomic Sports - Lots of contemporary autos of HOFers and conducts multiple signings through out the year. Cards, HOF Plaques, Balls, PS postcards, etc.

And if you are on FB, the "Out or Safe?!" Baseball Signature Review, LLC group is a good reference, providing opinions on photos of items submitted to them ($6/signature). I would claim that they are as good as most TPAs.

SportsCollectors.net is also a generally good group ($15/year) with members offering up regular private signings. Just check the 'Member References' section as a couple of folks have provided less than great service. Tom Orr (above) is a member here and lists his signings. Also has a good list of HOFers that sign through-the-mail (TTM), usually for a fee. This includes Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Ryne Sandberg, Bert Blyleven, etc.

Finally, do a search and commit to memory the several TPAs that are absolute trash, because you will run across items with their certifications. Run away from them and any dealer that peddles their crap. And familiarize yourself with Coaches Corner and the absolute garbage that they peddle. Their wares sometimes show up in other's auctions. I cannot believe how they have not been convicted and sent to jail already.

Note that most of the above pertains to newer HOFers and autos. For pre-war autos that many on here collect, that's really a whole other story. Jim Stinson, a member here, is one of several good dealers.

Finally (and this time I mean it), remember "If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't"

Thank you so much for this in depth and very valuable advice and thank you to everyone for responding. I appreciate you all.

BillyCoxDodgers3B · #9 02-13-2025, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huck

I used to purchase b&w photographs by George Brace when his daughter was hawking them from a website. She eventually sold the inventory to Getty images.

I thought they were stolen by John Rogers. I haven't followed anything since that time. If she managed to get everything back and sell to Getty, then wonderful! Mary Brace was always an absolute joy to deal with.

Huck · #10 02-17-2025, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

I thought they were stolen by John Rogers. I haven't followed anything since that time. If she managed to get everything back and sell to Getty, then wonderful! Mary Brace was always an absolute joy to deal with.

Whoa, John Rogers..... I tried dealing with him, but the guy never returned mail messages. It was my understanding from Mary that she sold to Getty. Getty owns about every photograph known to man. I just checked the Brace site (surprised to see the site still up) and Rogers is listed at the bottom of the page, so you look to be correct.

Rogers Photo Archive
2501 North Poplar
North Little Rock, AR 72116

Mary was a joy to work with. I purchased half a dozen of photos from her.

Lucas00 · #11 02-18-2025, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huck

Whoa, John Rogers..... I tried dealing with him, but the guy never returned mail messages. It was my understanding from Mary that she sold to Getty. Getty owns about every photograph known to man. I just checked the Brace site (surprised to see the site still up) and Rogers is listed at the bottom of the page, so you look to be correct.

Rogers Photo Archive
2501 North Poplar
North Little Rock, AR 72116

Mary was a joy to work with. I purchased half a dozen of photos from her.

Getty is really sketchy in terms of ownership. You can list your own original photos on their site and charge for their use. The problem is many of the "Original" photos are copies of copies of copies. Being sold by Ronny in his garage.

whyconform · #12 02-20-2025, 11:24 AM

Excellent Q:

Us collectors like consistency.....and it's a PAIN i know..... card collectors want ALL their cards in PSA, or SGC slabs, etc.....

Same with Autos......

I just picked up HOF auto #295, Ross Youngs.....I really had no choice but to rely on a baseball to get him.....you'll learn this as you go......

8x10's, Cuts, and 3x5's are like the worst to get.....you'll ultimately want to upgrade to be honest......

I tend to prefer flat items AND the following:

1. Certified on card autos (like Topps/UD/Panini)..... no fakes....resellable.... this takes care of at least 100-140 names......

2. Once you start getting into the harder names, I stick to things like Government Postcards, Letters, Contracts, checks..........
I'm the odd one in PREFERRING extra writing and dates, etc....reduces the likelyhood of a fake.......

3. You'll realize that only certain names are on only certain mediums (for the most part). It would suck to get a Ross Youngs Flat, for instance ($$$$$$) compared to a Giants ball, same as a baseball only collector getting a single signed rare guy that is a $10 perez steele auto.....

Point being.....1 medium is everyone's hopes, but limits who you can get....and best of luck collecting!!!!!! -Bill

PS: many HATE the cut signatures on sports cards.....they ruin nice original items....use bad autos sometimes, and cut out parts of the sig. As a card collector too, I don't mind, HOWEVER, some players will be 2-3x the price.......... IE: a cut signature from a check of Cobb will go 3x what a full Cobb check completely filled out in his hand will go for........that to me is a head scratcher...... to me...you have to be a 'card' collectors to only get it.

homerunhitter · #13 02-20-2025, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whyconform

Excellent Q:

Us collectors like consistency.....and it's a PAIN i know..... card collectors want ALL their cards in PSA, or SGC slabs, etc.....

Same with Autos......

I just picked up HOF auto #295, Ross Youngs.....I really had no choice but to rely on a baseball to get him.....you'll learn this as you go......

8x10's, Cuts, and 3x5's are like the worst to get.....you'll ultimately want to upgrade to be honest......

I tend to prefer flat items AND the following:

1. Certified on card autos (like Topps/UD/Panini)..... no fakes....resellable.... this takes care of at least 100-140 names......

2. Once you start getting into the harder names, I stick to things like Government Postcards, Letters, Contracts, checks..........
I'm the odd one in PREFERRING extra writing and dates, etc....reduces the likelyhood of a fake.......

3. You'll realize that only certain names are on only certain mediums (for the most part). It would suck to get a Ross Youngs Flat, for instance ($$$$$$) compared to a Giants ball, same as a baseball only collector getting a single signed rare guy that is a $10 perez steele auto.....

Point being.....1 medium is everyone's hopes, but limits who you can get....and best of luck collecting!!!!!! -Bill

PS: many HATE the cut signatures on sports cards.....they ruin nice original items....use bad autos sometimes, and cut out parts of the sig. As a card collector too, I don't mind, HOWEVER, some players will be 2-3x the price.......... IE: a cut signature from a check of Cobb will go 3x what a full Cobb check completely filled out in his hand will go for........that to me is a head scratcher...... to me...you have to be a 'card' collectors to only get it.

Thanks bill for this in depth write up. This is very valuable advice and I appreciate you very much for taking the time to help me out.

I’ve been reading a lot in a thread on here that’s talking about a new hobby movie/documentary I believe recently released on Netflix that talks about all of the forgeries in our hobby. For those here that have knowledge and experience with PSA slabbed signed Perez steeles, is there are concerns or much that I should worry about or be concerned about with collecting Perez steeled slabbed by PSA. Are they a high forgery target item? Are there a lot of fake Perez steered out there? Anything I need to look for or will I generally be safe collecting PSA slabbed signed Perez steeles ( I don’t want to get burned with forgeries if you guys think PSA Perez steeles are a problem please give me the straight scoop on these! Save me a big headache down the road please! Thanks so much

Kco · #14 02-21-2025, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

Thanks bill for this in depth write up. This is very valuable advice and I appreciate you very much for taking the time to help me out.

I�ve been reading a lot in a thread on here that�s talking about a new hobby movie/documentary I believe recently released on Netflix that talks about all of the forgeries in our hobby. For those here that have knowledge and experience with PSA slabbed signed Perez steeles, is there are concerns or much that I should worry about or be concerned about with collecting Perez steeled slabbed by PSA. Are they a high forgery target item? Are there a lot of fake Perez steered out there? Anything I need to look for or will I generally be safe collecting PSA slabbed signed Perez steeles ( I don�t want to get burned with forgeries if you guys think PSA Perez steeles are a problem please give me the straight scoop on these! Save me a big headache down the road please! Thanks so much

Perez Steeles are generally very safe. PSA slabbed or JSA Certed ones have been on the money 99% of the time. Most of the PS Sets are limited run (EG 10k runs or fewer sets). Typically, the autos are from a small era for each signer, so they are relatively similar and its usually pretty easy to spot oddball bad ones. Not that fakes aren't out there, but they are fewer and further between.

I have a huge run of signed PS myself, including a lot of the tougher names. There are a few to be very leery of that are monsters in that set, including Paige. Many guys who are relatively common autos are many multiples on a standard auto in Perez Steele format (Puckett, Ashburn, Paige ($5000+) as some examples).

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