What's your stance on later in life autographs?

[Scott Garner]

I prefer to find the earliest example of a persons sig that I can find and I have a bias that leans heavily toward fountain pen signatures. At times I will upgrade for exactly this reason.

That being said, as Mike already stated, sometimes the later example of a player's script may be the only version you can find. In this case, I would be more than happy to add it to my collection if it filled a hole.

BTW, regarding Bullet Joe Bush. Here are a few examples of his signatures through the years. A signed photo of Bullet Joe probably signed in the early- mid 1960's. A typical later example of his signature on a 3 x 5, circa 1970. An unusual signed check whith his given name Leslie Ambrose Bush. Finally, an earlier example of his signature, circa 1953, on a GPC in fountain pen where his script doesn't show the typical shakiness that you see so often. This example is far more challenging to find, FWIW...

[HexsHeroes]

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. . . when there seem to be almost no vintage examples available of some ballplayers, during or years after their playing days.

One example, for me, is Ralph "Sailor" Stroud. He lived a fairly long life, and has died within the past 42 years. But almost every example of his autograph that I have encountered has been of the shaky, later in life variety. Since that is what was available, that is what I bought. Fifteen years later, I was finally given the opportunity to acquire a 1930's GPC with a much more appealing Stroud signature. But the "younger" versions have been few and far between.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by HexsHeroes

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. . . when there seem to be almost no vintage examples available of some ballplayers, during or years after their playing days.

One example, for me, is Ralph "Sailor" Stroud. He lived a fairly long life, and has died within the past 42 years. But almost every example of his autograph that I have encountered has been of the shaky, later in life variety. Since that is what was available, that is what I bought. Fifteen years later, I was finally given the opportunity to acquire a 1930's GPC with a much more appealing Stroud signature. But the "younger" versions have been few and far between.

That reminds me of Hal Chase. I'll gladly take a Hal Chase in shaky pen.

[mr2686]

Originally Posted by mschwade

That reminds me of Hal Chase. I'll gladly take a Hal Chase in shaky pen.

Carl Mays seems to fit that too.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

I prefer to find the earliest example of a persons sig that I can find and I have a bias that leans heavily toward fountain pen signatures. At times I will upgrade for exactly this reason.

That being said, as Mike already stated, sometimes the later example of a player's script may be the only version you can find. In this case, I would be more than happy to add it to my collection if it filled a hole.

BTW, regarding Bullet Joe Bush. Here are a few examples of his signatures through the years. A signed photo of Bullet Joe probably signed in the early- mid 1960's. A typical later example of his signature on a 3 x 5, circa 1970. An unusual signed check whith his given name Leslie Ambrose Bush. Finally, an earlier example of his signature, circa 1953, on a GPC in fountain pen where his script doesn't show the typical shakiness that you see so often. This example is far more challenging to find, FWIW...

Thanks for posting those Scott. The 3x5 I saw that prompted me to start this thread was exactly like the circa 1970 you posted.

I don't think you would find anyone (at least I don't think) that would prefer a shaky signature over a steady one-- unless it's one of the last few signatures that person ever gave. Reminds me of Kevin Keating's story and his buddy Warren Spahn.

[johnmh71]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

I prefer to find the earliest example of a persons sig that I can find and I have a bias that leans heavily toward fountain pen signatures. At times I will upgrade for exactly this reason.

That being said, as Mike already stated, sometimes the later example of a player's script may be the only version you can find. In this case, I would be more than happy to add it to my collection if it filled a hole.

BTW, regarding Bullet Joe Bush. Here are a few examples of his signatures through the years. A signed photo of Bullet Joe probably signed in the early- mid 1960's. A typical later example of his signature on a 3 x 5, circa 1970. An unusual signed check whith his given name Leslie Ambrose Bush. Finally, an earlier example of his signature, circa 1953, on a GPC in fountain pen where his script doesn't show the typical shakiness that you see so often. This example is far more challenging to find, FWIW...

I'd love to have the bottom one. All the ones that I ever see are shakey. I have an older Charlie Gehringer that I really like due to be larger than his later autos.