I Just Discovered A Very Rare Autograph In A Very Surprising Place

[tolstoi]

So, I mostly specialize in Vintage tobacco and Gum cards and really don't heavily collect Autos unless they have some special "Got it in person" vibe to them. But recently I have been visiting Estate Sales and I purchased a small collection of WWII Letters. In one of the envelopes I found a bunch of rolled up bills, or currency notes that were all taped together. I took these to a coin dealer and he told me they were all ruined because of the tape. He offered me like ten or twelve bucks for the lot of them (there were like 25-30 of them) I said I would keep them try and remove the tape and stick them in a binder for my collection.

Anyways, I was able to separate the bills about 80% with no damage at all to the bills. And as I was going through the bills in the interior of the roll I noticed they were signed by various ppl, apparently known as short snorters and the sigs were from airmen during WWII. As I studied the names I discovered that one of the sigs was none other then Charles A. Lindbergh...I thought it is pretty cool, sometimes you never know what you got.

One question, who authenticates historical items like this? Do I even need to have it authenticated if I want to put it on ebay? I know auto photos of sports stars are often forged and need COA's but what about historical documents and things like the short snorter I found. I know its not a replica sig, and defintitely looks like the examples of his sig I have researched online.

I will scan the bill when I get my scanner running asap.

[GrayGhost]

I know JSA certifies "historical autographs" too, but you would likely benefit from someone who is more specialized in this area. An internet search, or maybe Richard on here would know. I can't wait to see the scan.

That is a REALLY cool item, w a great story.

[Scott Garner]

Hey Tolstoi,
That's an unbelieveable story. WOW! Nice pickup & I can't wait to see a scan when you can post it. Congrats!

[steve B]

First time I've heard of an offer below face value for currency. Sounds like a dealer I wouldn't do much business with.

Looking at a couple places online, I'm thinking you might do better with a real auction house. Great find! http://www.historyforsale.com/html/d...art=1&signer=L

one of the guys here seems like a good contact.
http://www.charleslindbergh.com/cgi-...c;f=1;t=000675

Persoanlly I'd consider keeping the items together. Or at least the items less the lindbergh auto. As a group especially including the lindbergh they tell a bigger story, and probably have more value both historic and financially.

Some info on Lindbergh in WWII here
http://www.charleslindbergh.com/wwii/

Steve B

[IronHorse2130]

Tolstoi - Great find! I collect old military items and would be interested in buying the short snorters if you decide to sell. The one signed by Lindbergh should bring some nice money and you are probably better off consigning that to an auction house. I would be interested in the other, common short snorters though. Shoot me a PM if interested.

Thanks,
Ben

[drc]

PSA/DNA does non-sport autographs. Also, you can do a PSA Quick Opinion on eBay.

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by steve B

First time I've heard of an offer below face value for currency. Sounds like a dealer I wouldn't do much business with.

Looking at a couple places online, I'm thinking you might do better with a real auction house. Great find! http://www.historyforsale.com/html/d...art=1&signer=L

one of the guys here seems like a good contact.
http://www.charleslindbergh.com/cgi-...c;f=1;t=000675

Persoanlly I'd consider keeping the items together. Or at least the items less the lindbergh auto. As a group especially including the lindbergh they tell a bigger story, and probably have more value both historic and financially.

Some info on Lindbergh in WWII here
http://www.charleslindbergh.com/wwii/

Steve B

History for Sale, while I believe their inventory to be authentic, charges prices that nobody else in the world charges. They are a showroom in Vegas, probably selling to high rollers who have no clue.
They don't buy from the public and they won't auction any items from the public.

[steve B]

That explains why they were first in search.

There were a few other sites, and Lindbergh does seem to sell pretty well.

I still think the group would have a bit more value historically if kept together, and might enhance the Lindbergh as it would give a bit of context.

Steve B