HOF Autograph Collection Question?

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

Most items authenticated by PSA or JSA are authentic. Sure there are ones that slip by and yet still others that are authentic that do not get their stamp. Unless you are really going to deep dive to be able to authenticate an auto yourself, then I'd recommend buying either a previously authenticated auto from a reputable TPG (PSA, JSA) or buy it from a reputable auction house/dealer. Neither of these will absolutely guarantee an auto, but it will increase your odds of acquiring authentic autos. Also, for HOFers that are still alive, most do public/private signings a couple of times per year.

I'll throw out a couple good dealers and let others chime in with auction houses.

Denver Autographs - they are in charge of the signings at CSA shows.
Mill Creek Sports - West Coast Dealer that conducts some private signings and also has a lot of inventory.
Main Line Autographs - based in Pittsburgh, hosts a big auto-themed show once a year and has a lot of inventory, much of it from their signings.
Tom Orr/Atomic Sports - Lots of contemporary autos of HOFers and conducts multiple signings through out the year. Cards, HOF Plaques, Balls, PS postcards, etc.

And if you are on FB, the "Out or Safe?!" Baseball Signature Review, LLC group is a good reference, providing opinions on photos of items submitted to them ($6/signature). I would claim that they are as good as most TPAs.

SportsCollectors.net is also a generally good group ($15/year) with members offering up regular private signings. Just check the 'Member References' section as a couple of folks have provided less than great service. Tom Orr (above) is a member here and lists his signings. Also has a good list of HOFers that sign through-the-mail (TTM), usually for a fee. This includes Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Ryne Sandberg, Bert Blyleven, etc.

Finally, do a search and commit to memory the several TPAs that are absolute trash, because you will run across items with their certifications. Run away from them and any dealer that peddles their crap. And familiarize yourself with Coaches Corner and the absolute garbage that they peddle. Their wares sometimes show up in other's auctions. I cannot believe how they have not been convicted and sent to jail already.

Note that most of the above pertains to newer HOFers and autos. For pre-war autos that many on here collect, that's really a whole other story. Jim Stinson, a member here, is one of several good dealers.

Finally (and this time I mean it), remember "If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't"

Thank you so much for this in depth and very valuable advice and thank you to everyone for responding. I appreciate you all.

[Bigdaddy]

And because every thread needs a card..I received this in person from Tom Terrific:

[homerunhitter]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

And because every thread needs a card..I received this in person from Tom Terrific:

I know alot of folks here don’t like Perez Steeles (and I totally respect their opinions) but look at how awesome this signed Tom Seaver looks!

[JimStinson]

Thanks to those in this post that mentioned my name. What to collect? The advice I was given early on was, #1 Find out who is reputable (Other collectors and dealers alike) and who to avoid. It's a smaller hobby than you think and asking around as you're doing is an invaluable tool. It can take decades for a seller to gain a solid reputation and the ones that don't usually are not around too long. #2) When buying buy the best specimen of a particular player that you can afford. What is "best" depends on your taste. #3) learn everything you can know about the subjects you are collecting, (that is where the fun is). Personally, when I collected, I was a completist collector and aspired to acquire any player that had a major league debut 1876-1970. Granted this was a long time ago and autographs were not as pricy as they are today & was a feat that could never be accomplished even then. If I collected today, I would probably collect specific famous teams. What medium I collected varied as I was only looking for one and was constantly upgrading and selling my "dups" that is how I became a dealer. My personal favorites were Player contracts, documents, Letters, Burke photos Checks and GPC's. For example, if I had a Babe Ruth check and happened across a letter to me that was an "upgrade" and I'd keep the letter and sell or trade the check. The more time you spend with the hobby your tastes and preferences could change too until you find your "Nitch". Best wishes in your collecting pursuits.
___________________________
Always BUYING Vintage autographs
jim@stinsonsports.com

[T206Collector]

I really try to avoid Sharpie. Years ago I would use it to get autographs on items, but the lines of the Sharpie are often way too fat, and tend to blur the beauty of the signature.

Fortunately, most pre-war HOF signatures are not available in Sharpie. I'll take a crisp and bold fountain pen every time. Can you imagine what this would look like if Speaker signed it in Sharpie? Not good!