Thoughts on best auction house for vintage memorabilia (Jackie etc)

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by Frank A

The fact of the matter is that nobody really wants the book. Everyone wants the auto's. I think that separating the auto's will bring you the most cash. Frank

I'm curious what this is based on? Have you seen individuals pages like these sell? I've been collecting and following these for many years and don't believe that there is any evidence that this is the case.

[bigfanNY]

This is the single page that made $8500 in Hunt Auction this year. You say there are Four signatures. Can you please post the other two. I only see the football and track photos. And I think the Football signature is outstanding.

[rand1com]

The Hunt description stated that this photo was from the UCLA yearbook but it is not. It is from the 1939 Pasadena Jr. College Campus yearbook.

However, it does not have any other autographs or inscriptions from other players so it displays perfectly.

[bigfanNY]

Originally Posted by Topnotchsy

I'm curious what this is based on? Have you seen individuals pages like these sell? I've been collecting and following these for many years and don't believe that there is any evidence that this is the case.

I posted a recent similar photo that bought as much as recent sale of same book. ( yes a single auto is preferred but yours is first year with larger photo etc.) But as I only see 2 of the 4 signatures it is tough to estimate what they would make at auction. So please post the other 2 signatures. The other benifit is if 3 pictures will sell for mare than the book as a whole then you could decide to sell the 3 and keep one for your PC.
Regards
J

[Topnotchsy]

Here are the four photos. I'm not sure that there is an any argument that a yearbook signed once would sell for more than a yearbook signed 4 times, so curious why you think that might be (it has not been the case historically for these), unless I am misunderstanding what you mean.

[rand1com]

Jonathan appears to be referring only to your football autograph page which has been signed by another player in addition to Jackie and is comparing it to the single signed page from the Hunt auction that had only Jackie's inscription/signature from a value standpoint.

I'm sure he will clarify his post but this was the way I interpreted it.

Having seen all 4 autographs and the pages involved, I would repair the binding and leave the book intact. The individual cuts will not be that attractive as most would be irregular cuts unless you just leave the individual pages intact and the other inscriptions/signatures detract from Robinson if you do that. The track signature has poor contrast on his last name and would not bring a premium IMO.

It is a piece of history as it is with the other signatures an important part of it.

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by rand1com

Jonathan appears to be referring only to your football autograph page which has been signed by another player in addition to Jackie and is comparing it to the single signed page from the Hunt auction that had only Jackie's inscription/signature from a value standpoint.

I'm sure he will clarify his post but this was the way I interpreted it.

Having seen all 4 autographs and the pages involved, I would repair the binding and leave the book intact. The individual cuts will not be that attractive as most would be irregular cuts unless you just leave the individual pages intact and the other inscriptions/signatures detract from Robinson if you do that. The track signature has poor contrast on his last name and would not bring a premium IMO.

It is a piece of history as it is with the other signatures an important part of it.

Randy,

I appreciate that clarification. Once you mention it, I definitely see that that was what Jonathan intended, and I'm sure there is truth to that.

I do think on this one that there is something to the fact that Jackie famously lettered in 4 sports, and this has him signing all 4, so that's an argument for keeping them together.

Agreed on the track autograph as well. It might show a bit better in person, but it's definitely not the best.

Thanks!

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Topnotchsy

I do think on this one that there is something to the fact that Jackie famously lettered in 4 sports, and this has him signing all 4, so that's an argument for keeping them together.

I hadn't thought about that, but the problem is that once you put it into an auction, you've lost control over it and that history might not matter to the winner. The market will determine which is more valuable, keeping it together or splitting it up, so it seems that any restoration work on your part is a gamble. Might as well just put it in as is and let what will be, be. At any rate, the big auction guys will give you the best advice you're going to get, including from here.

[Jewish-collector]

There are collectors who want signed custom cards, so another option would be to cut each autograph/picture up as a custom card and have PSA/DNA slab each. Not sure I would do that, but it is a possibility.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by Topnotchsy

I do think on this one that there is something to the fact that Jackie famously lettered in 4 sports, and this has him signing all 4, so that's an argument for keeping them together.



Thanks!

Not an autograph guy, but I think you're right in that they should all be auctioned together at the same time for the reason you state. However, maybe you maximize by having 4 separate pages, 4 separate lots, so if someone wants all 4, they'll have to win each.

[theshleps]

I sold a Jr college yearbook with 3 autographs and one of his brother. Didn't do as well as expected. This was a few years ago. I hate people cutting something like this up (I have a few great autograph albums I wont sell as do not want them cut up) but cutting up would give you the best price