Why are pencil autographs from the pre-1950s era so disrespected by collectors?

[HexsHeroes]

.

I personally think it's not so much about disrespect, but about which is more aesthetically appealing. I rarely find that the boldness of a pencil signature is anywhere as strong as that of a blue or black ink signature. How many collectors would tend to gravitate towards a nice, signed, white baseball, versus a similarly signed toned or offwhite ball. How many of our card collecting mates would gravitate towards a card with bold colors or clean borders and surfaces, versus one with lighter tones, or dirtier surfaces. Given a choice, I think most of us would prefer the more attractive choice.

That said, I know of many collectors who pass on all items signed in either red or green fountain pen ink. Too unusual, and not appealing they say.

For me, it comes down to a combination of the scarcity of the autograph, and the price. The scarcer (sp?) the autograph, the more open I am both to the medium signed on, and the instrument used to sign the autograph.

[Jerry42]

As to my love of pencil autographs from the 1940s-early 1950s, I should add that as a kid in those years, I brought a pencil to every game with my lined, small note-pad, and the pencil autograph reminds me of those experiences. And for me, that's what collecting is all about. So, although I have nothing against a Jackie Robinson autograph in pen, I like the pencil, especially because of the price reduction. And no matter what anyone thinks, those pencil autographs last -- better than some of my ink autographs exposed to light on my walls.

I also like the flavor of the times, and don't care about white balls and small wrinkles in cards (although I do keep my eye on value).

[yanks12025]

Here's members of the 1936 yankees including Joe DiMaggio in pencil.

[mr2686]

Vintage pencil autograph of Pie Traynor.

[gashouse34]

I'm starting to like this thread w/all the vintage pencil auto's...I agree with Jerry42 and don't mind the discount in price...plus I think a nice pencil auto can display nicely without the worries of fading