[Lordstan]

I think it depends on a few variables.

First is the nature of the item. Balls almost always look better and cleaner with ball point pen. Rarely have I not seen a Sharpie bleed, at least a little, on a ball. Pictures and magazines can go either way. A uniform would most likely be better in sharpie, etc.

Second, is the background that the signature is going on. A ball point signature will be less bold on an item with a very dark background. Sharpie will stand out, and you have the flexibility of using a silver or gold sharpie to make it stand out even more.

Third is viewing issues. If your object is behind glass in a frame, ballpoint may be less viewable, because of the way the glass affects the light. If something is in a binder, viewed up close, that would matter less.

Fourth is the backside of the object. What I mean is that Sharpie will bleed through most more porous paper products. So, if you getting the inner page of a book signed, you have to be aware that the sig might bleed through a little. If there is another pic on the back you want signed, ball point might be better.

Fifth is storage. As noted by Anthony, sunlight will fade most anything. Otherwise, I think it's a toss up.

Lastly is the question of "longer lasting" There is no answer to this question. Ballpoints have been around since the late 1940's. Sharpie's came out in 1964. I think there are sigs of both types that have been around a long time. We certainly know fountain pen can last 100 yrs, when well take care of. I think the factors I listed above probably impact the answers to this question more so than the intrinsic nature of the technology.

I think best option is to collect what you like, not what will last longest.

Best,
Mark