Opinions needed - tape over an autograph

[perezfan]

That tape would drive me nuts. I really hate the look of those, and can't imagine why so many people thought that was a good idea back in the day.

The pencil auto would irritate me as well. I would avoid both, and hold out for a better example. Otherwise, you will always lament the flawed one, and obsess over the better one (which will inevitably come along...)

My advice is to be patient and wait for a good one.

[HexsHeroes]

.

. . . who might consider erasing the other signatures (assuming they too are signed in pencil) around the difficult autograph, inorder to enhance it.

I have yet to do that, but I have been tempted. But I decided the risk of damaging a truly difficult autograph was just too high. And for a less difficult autograph, why bother.

I suppose it's similar to the choices someone contemplates with regards to removing signatures from a multiple signature baseball inorder to display it as a single-signed example. Some justify it as OK, as long as the modified ball is for one's own enjoyment. But what happens when it's time for that ball to move on to it's next owner? Some facts just have a way of being forgotten, or lost to time.

[David Atkatz]

There's nothing wrong with pencil, guys. It's more stable than ink, and will not fade in sunlight. (Just keep erasers away.)

This PC is in pencil, and I don't mind at all. (My oldest son's name is Nick.)

[perezfan]

Well, that IS a nice one (obviously...) But the pencil autograph in question sounds like it was encroached upon by lots of other sigs. Sounded rather messy, and difficult to mat out the others.

If it was as nice and bold as that Gehrig, I doubt he would have any dilemma whatsoever

[mr2686]

Heck, If I had that Gehrig, I'd change my name to Nick!

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

When it comes down to truly tough signatures, I've never failed in recouping my investment on an inferior specimen if an upgrade was found. Some pieces take longer than others to sell; the ability to discern the near-impossible from the pedestrian is certainly the key. For in-demand signatures that are fairly easy to procure, you can't go wrong with keeping up quality control. On the other hand, there is most certainly a market for off-quality material that many collectors avidly pursue. The mentality of being happy with any example (provided the price is right) is highly prevalent and will not soon go out of fashion. That being said, there are numerous collectors who would still shell out five figures for an undoubtedly authentic Hoss Radbourn even if it was run over by a fleet of eighteen wheelers (anymore, a nice example wouldn't dip below $100K).

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by JBirkholm

When it comes down to truly tough signatures, I've never failed in recouping my investment on an inferior specimen if an upgrade was found. Some pieces take longer than others to sell; the ability to discern the near-impossible from the pedestrian is certainly the key. For in-demand signatures that are fairly easy to procure, you can't go wrong with keeping up quality control. On the other hand, there is most certainly a market for off-quality material that many collectors avidly pursue. The mentality of being happy with any example (provided the price is right) is highly prevalent and will not soon go out of fashion. That being said, there are numerous collectors who would still shell out five figures for an undoubtedly authentic Hoss Radbourn even if it was run over by a fleet of eighteen wheelers (anymore, a nice example wouldn't dip below $100K).

Jodi,
Very eloquently put...