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

[Tom Hufford]

It somewhat amazes me that ANY autographs were signed before the advent of the ballpoint pen. Think of the hassle of carrying a fountain pen, taking off the cap (like a sharpie!), trying not to get ink leaking everywhere. Then think about carrying around a sharp pencil and going to the ballpark. I've carried around a lead mark in the palm of my hand for 40+ years, now, where I reached into my pocket and tangled with a freshly sharpened pencil.

[mr2686]

Tom, I think what helped that along was the fact that people purchased programs at the game and kept score...so they had to have something to do that with. Also, I'm wondering if they gave away pencils with the programs, or you provided your own. Either way there must have been a lot of pencils floating around the ballparks.