The value of celebrity autographs goes up about 10 percent a year, according to the Financial Times, an English newspaper. Autographs that are scarce because the celebrity won’t sign are best. In that group are Neil Armstrong, the astronaut who first landed on the moon, actor Paul Newman, and Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. Early death or scandal also ups the price of an autograph. Tiger Woods’s autographed photo sells for about $2,750.
Photo source: The Written Word Autographs
I’m not sure if the dedications diminish the value a lot although I’ve heard the same thing. I have a huge collection I purchased up for sale and I got my values from a good site online – several actually but one was really extensive with lots of photos and are guaranteed authentic. It is http://www.galleryofhistory.com You might want to check there for values although there are also more sites out there as well.
Singer Rudy Vallee’s photo appears on the front cover of my vocal/piano sheet music copy, “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes,” published by M. Witmark & Sons (New York, 1930). On the photo is written “To the Witmarks” followed by Vallee’s signature. How can I know whether or not my sheet music copy is actually written upon or was simply printed with the signature already upon the photo? (I acquired the music in a lot with other sheet music.)
I find it odd that there is a story about autographs but do not see any in the on line price guide…
Hi! First, I thought I read that Ringo didn’t want to be bothered at all anymore… Second, I have an inscribed and signed photo of Hank Williams Sr. He died at 29 and I know his signature is valuable. Anyone know what this may be worth?
Thank you.
What would be the value of a letter from Katharine Hepburn on her personal Crane stationary with her name Katharine Houghton Hepburn in raised letters on the top, along with the original postmarked envelope? (October 31, 1978) I never really expected a reply when I wrote to her all those years ago but that didn’t stop me from trying. I wrote to ask her permission to make a portrait doll of her and her letter grants me permission to do that.
Not sure if Kovels could answer this one. My Great Aunt was an airline stewardess that died on the plane carrying Carole Lombard. She was not supposed to be on that plane but subed for a friend. Rumor has it my Aunt’s body was perhaps mixed with Carole Lombard’s body. ID was impossible due to the horrible fire that happened. My Great Aunt’s family was so struck with grief they refused to have the remains exhumed. Anyway, Clark Gable sent a Gone With the Wind plate of himself next to a fire place and a letter of sympathy to my Great Aunt’s family. What would the value of this plate and the letter be worth? It will never be sold or that is my thought but having 6 other siblings that coule inherit it, a value may be good to know.
I have a book by Bob Wills called Hubbin It, it was personally autographed to my father-in-law (now deceased), I wonder what it’s worth?
Joan
Does the fact that a photograph of a movie star has been dedicated to a family member affect its value? I have a number of photos from the 1940s of Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, Humphrey Boggart, Allan Ladd, etc that have all been dedicated to my mother-in-law and my wifes aunts. Someone told me that because of the dedications to specific people that they weren’t worth as much. To me, these dedications add to their authenticity. Any thoughts?
I recently read than Ringo has reversed his long-standing rule and is now signing autographs for fans again.