autograph signed near death G.C. Alexander

[theshleps]

I have a signed autograph from Grover Cleveland Alexander about 3 weeks before he died. My question is more general does the fact that it may have been one of the last autographs he signed change the value of it?

[GrayGhost]

His autograph as you know is valuable to start, and Id think this would add some value for sure

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Yes, I would certainly think a very late auto like that (especially on a GPC) where it's dated or stamped to prove it, would help it's value.


HoFAutoRookies.com

[Republicaninmass]

Most likely depend on quality, medium, and provenance...just saying

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

In this instance, no. While evidence points to Alex being a humble and gracious autograph signer, he lived an itinerant lifestyle following his career. This is the reason for his signature being more difficult to procure than the other original HOF inductees who were alive to witness the 1939 enshrinement ceremonies. In fact, something signed by Alexander in the last year of his life is more easily procured than material signed in earlier times. According to an obituary, he had settled down in a bungalow in the Los Angeles area at the very end. Collectors obviously located this address and sent their requests, or at least the Hall of Fame and the Sporting News had a physical location to forward the mail.

While there is a market for "tail-end" autograph examples in some instances, sadly the demand appears to coincide more with a tragic ending in the Munson, Gehrig or Clemente sense. Ironically, for a man such as Alexander whose entire life was marred by tragedy, an added value for a "final autograph" would likely carry no significant consideration.

Edited to add a point of interest: One obituary actually mentions that Alex was typing a letter to his ex-wife at the time of his death. The letter was unfinished and still rolled up in the typewriter upon discovery of Pete's body in the room of the Nebraska house which he was staying. If he had managed to autograph it, then this particular item would have slightly refuted my opinions expressed above!

[Lordstan]

These types of questions are very difficult to answer. I think there are 2 parts to the answer.
First, is it worth more and second is how much?
I think the first answer is possibly. What I mean is that if I was looking to collect an example of Alexander's, or anyone for that matter, signature at different stages of his life, then yes, I likely would pay more if it was my only chance to get one. On the other side of the equation is that if all I wanted was an exemplar of his, then no, I would probably not value it any more than any other.
Second part is also significant. Does it double the price or only increase it a small increment? If the difference in value is $10 on a $500 auto does it really matter? Technically it is more, but the amount is so small that it is insignificant. No one can really say for sure until you try and sell it.

Would I pay more for it if I wanted one, Nope. Maybe someone else would. I'd say put it on ebay with a markup above usual Alexander items and see what offers you get.

[Scott Garner]

On the flip side as a collector, I would prefer an earlier playing era sig of a player to a late example given a choice. For this I would typically expect to possibly pay a premium.

FWIW, I believe that other collectors feel the same way.