In the first of an ongoing series, long-time collector Tim Gallagher takes over the Editor's Blog to share 50+ years of memories from chasing basketball autographs. ---- In the early 1980's a fortuitous convergence of geography, hotel ownership and a superstar player's absence from my collection reignited my passion for pursuing basketball autographs. COLLECTING … [Read more...]
Signing Day Q&A: From Preparation to Dealing with Athletes
It's an easy way for an athlete to make a very nice hourly rate of pay. Agree to sit down for an hour or two--maybe more if he's willing--and sign items sent in by fans and collectors. The private autograph session has become popular with current and former players who are willing to risk writer's cramp to satisfy the demand for their … [Read more...]
Private Autograph Signing Q&A: Selecting an Item to Be Signed
The opportunity is there. A current or former player or coach is doing a private signing session and the company handling the event has the breakdown on what it'll cost you to have your item autographed. The price is right and you’re ready to commit to finally snaring that signature you’ve been hoping to get. Now all you have to do is decide what to … [Read more...]
Tips for Submitting Your Items to Private Autograph Sessions
Not every player signs autographs through the mail, but even some big name stars are amenable to sitting down for an hour or two on their own time through paid private autograph sessions. Typically working through the player's agent but sometimes directly with the athlete, promoters will take in memorabilia and cards sent in by collectors and dealers and work with the … [Read more...]
COVID’s Autograph Impact: Private Signings Picking Up
While sports cards and memorabilia have been on a major roll during the pandemic, there's no denying it's been a disruptive force, too. For collectors used to lining up at shows for a chance to get a photo and an autograph from a player, it's been a long wait. Signings are still happening, though. In the first of a series on autographs and private … [Read more...]
Kiner’s Kindness: How Hall of Famer’s Wife Helped Young Friend Build Autograph Collection
It has often been said that in life it’s not so much as to what you know but who you know. It’s especially true in the case of Hank Bentley. Now a successful song writer and producer of mostly Christian music living in Nashville, Bentley grew up in Texas during the late 1980s and early 90s as a big baseball fan. When he wasn’t playing with friends during … [Read more...]
Audience with “The King” a Memorable Ride
It was a unique consignment, but Keith Vari of Paragon Auctions thought it could use a personal touch. A consignor had turned over Richard Petty’s 1973 Daytona 500 trophy that he’d purchased from an insurance company. It seems the original trophy had a small break in it, a claim was filed and a new one was created. The 1973 victory was one of seven the legendary … [Read more...]
Done! 1969 IHOP Visit Turned Into Two Decade Quest for Champion Knicks Signatures on IHOP Placemat
When Rick Wrabel was 12 years old and living in Norwalk, CT nearly 50 years ago, he and his parents had lunch at a local International House of Pancakes (yes, long before it simply became IHOP). The restaurant’s paper placemats had pictures of the 1969-70 New York Knicks. Little did he know at the time that the free souvenir would see the world and take him on a … [Read more...]
Notes: Lawyers Seeks Input in Redemption Suit; MSU Tightens Security on Morant; World Junior Jerseys
The New Orleans firm that filed paperwork for a class action lawsuit against Panini America over redemption cards a couple of weeks ago has written a blog post about the case and says it is seeking input from collectors. Martzell, Bickford and Centola is a New Orleans based firm whose name is on the documents filed in federal court on behalf of collector Kevin … [Read more...]
Dave Hill’s Massive Autograph Collection On Block Via SCP Auctions
Dave Hill spent a lifetime collecting autographs. His family is going to realize a signature moment when they are sold this weekend in SCP Auctions’ Fall Premier sale. The Dave Hill Autograph Collection, consisting of 16 lots and 8,732 autographs — including 186 Hall of Famers — is part of the SCP Auctions sale that ends Saturday night. Hill was … [Read more...]