Most expensive auto

[GKreindler]

Regarding Billy, here's a little article from the New York Times, August 6, 1898:



I wonder if any of those collectors thought to themselves, "Meh, Shakespeare is grand, but I believe I would enjoy some scribes from those base ball men I saw at the Polo Grounds yesterday. Now, when is that parsnip soup coming my way?"

Or, maybe something like that.

Graig

[drcy]

I believe, traditionally the most valuable autographs are William Shakespeare and Julius Cesar. Declaration of Independence signer Button Gwinnett might now be ranked as third. Though not a household name, his signature is ultra rare and completing the Declaration of Independence Signers set is one of the ultimate feats in autograph collecting.

I've told people that I have a first edition copy of the Bible signed by the author, but few laugh at that joke.

[dgo71]

Wow Graig, amazing article. I had no idea the concept of autograph collecting, much less auctioning them at Sotheby's, was around way back in 1898!

[sycks22]

I heard Bob Feller

[prewarsports]

I think there were people in the 1700's collecting historical autographs and seeking Shakespeare signatures. By the late 1800's there were books being published on the hobby, but it only extended to classical literature and the arts and government. Nobody collected Sports signatures but everyone collected theatre celebrities and Politicians.

Collecting Baseball or Sports signatures in general are a 20th century invention. It would be like kids today seeking autographs of their local Police Officers or something like that.