To have memorabilia signed or not

[Nashvol]

This question was raised in another thread, and I am wondering what the "court of public opinion" says: If a vintage item is acquired (in my case, a jersey which was may have been worn by a player who is still living), would it be best to have it signed by that player if he would agree to it, or leave it alone? Likewise, vintage baseballs, caps, etc.?

[Forever Young]

Originally Posted by Nashvol

This question was raised in another thread, and I am wondering what the "court of public opinion" says: If a vintage item is acquired (in my case, a jersey which was may have been worn by a player who is still living), would it be best to have it signed by that player if he would agree to it, or leave it alone? Likewise, vintage baseballs, caps, etc.?

Personally, I like to keep it vintage...no new sig. I would rather display it with a signed item. Maybe have him sign an index card or something with a note about the jersey(if possible)??

[71buc]

I would not have vintage flannels, baseball cards, or photos signed. Modern uniforms, bats, equipment, and magazines in my opinion are more attractive when signed. However, I am only interested in such items if I am the one who obtains the autograph.

[39special]

Originally Posted by Forever Young

Personally, I like to keep it vintage...no new sig. I would rather display it with a signed item. Maybe have him sign an index card or something with a note about the jersey(if possible)??

I agree.An index card or a note displayed with the jersey is the way I would go.

[sayhey24]

Totally agree that your beautiful vintage flannel should not be signed.
As I mentioned in the other thread, you could have him sign a photo of the jersey, or even better, a photo of him holding the jersey.

Greg

[slidekellyslide]

I vote no. I don't like signatures on jerseys...and I especially don't like sharpie on vintage items....ruins it IMO.

[mr2686]

A signed repro jersey with a bunch of members of a team makes for a nice little display, but a vintage jersey should be unsigned and displayed with a signed item/items. Just my .02

[Scott Garner]

I get it now and I'm officially raising the white flag!!

Don't have any vintage jersey signed!

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by Forever Young

Personally, I like to keep it vintage...no new sig.

+1

[jerseygary]

I collect odds and ends like scorecards and other vintage ephemera and I can't tell you how many pieces I really wanted were in my opinion ruined by someone getting a player to sign it in sharpie pen. When that happens I pass on buying it. I have many period signed programs and such, but when a modern collector gets a vintage item signed in that darn blue sharpie I just want to scream!

[Nashvol]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions, but what about vintage baseballs? For example, a few years ago I purchased a dozen Southern Association (defunct since 1961) baseballs, and I have had several former players autograph one. Harmon Killebrew even signed one with "Chattanooga Lookouts, 1957 - 1958". It is one of my treasures!

[perezfan]

Definitely go with whatever makes you happiest. I see nothing wrong with players signing vintage balls (as long as they use ballpoint pen vs. sharpie). And try to save the same pen for all sigs that will appear on the ball. Uniformity of ink looks best, IMO.

With regard to uniforms, signatures done on flannel look horrible in my opinion. They bleed and rarely take well to the material. Plus, they corrupt the item and usually clash with the vintage look and feel. I don't mind signatures on knits nearly as much, but still believe in keeping game-used clothing unsigned. Just my .02....