Collecting autographs is a time-honored avocation that has exploded in popularity in recent years, creating a new industry with millions of autographed items for sale online. Coveted signatures include those of United States presidents, Civil War officers, World War II heroes, classical music composers and baseball stars. It has been estimated that 90 percent of historical autographs on the market today are forgeries. This book is a definitive guide to signature authentication for experts and beginners alike. Numerous illustrations of both genuine and forged signatures are included, from Ty Cobb to Abraham Lincoln to Isaac Newton to Neil Armstrong. Detailed descriptions of common forgeries are given, enabling collectors to make direct comparisons.

Written by collectables expert Susan Brewer, the book covers the world of autographs, both beautifully-illustrated autograph books from the days when ordinary people signed them for friends with thoughtful poems or illustrations, to celebrity and highly collectable autographs. Hundreds of verses and reflective messages are included, as well as many humorous entries gleaned from autograph albums over the years.The book begins with a general overview of autographs, autograph collecting and autograph books, has a chapter on preserving and storing autographs, advice on how to collect them and ends with a directory of auction houses which specialise in ephemera. Examples of autographs include Victorian politicians, Prime Ministers, royalty, artists, actors, sportsmen and ordinary people who took the time to think up clever rhymes or stunning illustrations. Aimed at the collectable market but also nostalgia as so many people used to collect autographs at stage doors or end of pier shows. This book will appeal not only to the collector but to anyone interested in social history and our changing way of life.

I discovered the hidden secrets of getting autographs from the rich and famous ... And I share all of it with you in my book "Can I Have Your Autograph." Here are just a few of the many things you will learn in my book! How to create an autograph collection worth thousands of dollars ... at virtually no cost! Learn the step-by-step techniques to ... get started today with your autograph collection! How to track down the rich and famous ... like a private investigator! Find off the beaten track places to ... score great autographs! The secret to getting in-person autographs ... without spending a ton of money! How to buy autographs ... without getting ripped off! Learn how to spot fake autographs ... in a heart-beat! How to become a major autograph collector virtually over-night, with a niche collection! How to discover the innermost secrets of your famous autograph signers! See many examples of "real autographs" from the rich and famous! Discover the value of your autographs ... and what can affect that value! How to create a "fool-proof" tracking system for your collection! How to store your autograph collection ... so it doesn't lose its value!

Hooked on Autographs by Joe Galiardi is an unforgettable collection of anecdotes and yarns that highlight what it took for the author to obtain over 425 celebrity signed golf balls over the past 30 years. In this unusual memoir, the author describes many of his favorite stories in garnering and gathering autographed golf balls from golfers, entertainers, sports figures, and U.S. presidents. With a wonderfully engaging and colloquial driven prose, golf lovers will revel and non-golfers will delight. Beginning with how he became an autograph seeker, in 16 spirited chapters, Galiardi shares the best parts. With titles such as "Jack Lemmon - A 'Cut' Above," "Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitation," "Presidents of the United States," and "In a Class by Themselves," he shares an infectious passion for the hobby of collecting autographs.

Richly illustrated with nearly 1,000 examples of both autographs and forgeries, this new and expanded edition includes signature studies of all Hall of Famers from the 19th century to the present. Collectors can compare signatures to the examples to determine the genuineness of autographs. Shoeless Joe and the rest of the Black Sox are explored in depth, along with Roger Maris, Gil Hodges and the top 50 non-Hall of Fame autographs. A new price guide examines values of various signed mediums. A market population grid lists rare and seldom seen signatures.

Baker covers many important collecting topics, including: tips on recognizing autopens; impact of technology; keys to paper care; and much more. A special chapter covers commonly requested addresses and more than 600 facsimile signatures. 300 photos.