TRENDSPOTTER: Collecting Autographs

Cheffins is currently running a timed online sale of autographs which closes on 31^st July. With examples from the likes of Claude Monet, Walt Disney, Oscar Wilde and JMW Turner right through to the cast of Friends, Usain Bolt, Sir Alex Ferguson, Tom Hanks and a variety of more modern-day celebrities, this eclectic collection was started over 70 years ago.

Lot 28 - signed photograph of Oscar Wilde 

The collection spans sports, music, art, space travel, film and royal memorabilia. Of course, of particular interest are the signed photographs of Claude Monet who, as we all know, signed his paintings, but rarely signed photographs of himself. With estimates ranging from £20 to £2,000 this is an opportunity for both seasoned and novice collectors to pick up a piece of cultural history.

Highlights of the sale include a signed platinum print of Monet circa 1910 which has an estimate of £500 - £1,000, a signed postcard of Oscar Wilde dated May 1892 which has an estimate of £1,000 - £2,000 and a signed photograph of Walt Disney from the 1940s, which is set to sell for £500 - £800.

Lot 27 - signed photograph of Walt Disney

Autograph collecting has previously been called ‘the world’s oldest hobby’ as it started with the great library at Alexandria as far back as the 4^th century BC. This famous library held the first known autograph collection but sadly vanished over time. And fast forward to today, autograph collecting still very much has a place in modern day circles. Although taking a selfie perhaps is seen as today’s version of an autograph, something written by someone’s hand is significantly more intimate. Sports stars and celebrities are continually asked to sign pieces of clothing or pictures, or even just scraps of paper, and for many people, it is often this one-off moment which can be the catalyst or the starting point of an autograph collection.

It is thought that there are approximately 3 million autograph collectors worldwide, and values of autographs can vary exponentially. For example, some modern sports stars’ autographs might not earn much more than £50, whereas an autograph by William Shakespeare, of which there is only six worldwide, is valued in the multi-millions.  

For would-be philographers – the official term for autograph collectors – the best way to find autographs is through specialist dealers or auction houses. The majority of collectors tend to specialise in a particular topic or theme – such as space travel, art or music from a certain era. The key to being a successful collector is to always look into the provenance of any piece which you’re looking to buy. There can often be inconsistencies in the ink or handwriting, which over time, collectors will find easier to spot. Obviously, the significance of the individual whose autograph it is will be paramount to value, as well as rarity. In addition, format is important, for historical figures, signed photographs are more valuable than letters.

To view the Cheffins autographs sale, please click here.