You are looking for information, articles, knowledge about the topic nail salons open on sunday near me how to display signed books on Google, you do not find the information you need! Here are the best content compiled and compiled by the Chewathai27.com team, along with other related topics such as: how to display signed books how to preserve a signed book, how to frame a signed book, signed book display case, book display stand, archival book supports, book wedges
Contents
How do you preserve an autographed book?
The very best way to preserve the information contained in an autograph book is to scan and digitize each and every page. It is also recommended that the contents be transcribed. Digitization and transcription is becoming the first line of defense for many of our fragile and deteriorating records.
How do you authenticate a signed book?
Check when the author likely added that signature and compare it to one of the same approximate vintage if possible. If the author added both a signature and date, it makes things simple. If there isn’t a date, the signature may have been added any time between after the date of publication.
Do signed books increase in value?
These signed books will usually sell for at least twice as much as an unsigned copy, but the real determinant of price will be the value of the author’s signature.
Do signed books appreciate in value?
When a book contains a signature and nothing else, it’s considered “signed”. These can be valuable, but, contrary to what you might think, they’re often less valuable than “inscribed” copies (i.e. copies that contain a signature along with some other message, like “To Jenny, Enjoy, Stephen King”).
How do you stop autographs from fading?
Protecting autographs from fading is extremely important to avoid devastating loss. This can be achieved by using UV protective options in the glass of a frame and window film.
Should I cover my books with plastic?
Don’t keep books in plastic bags.
They need to breathe, and plastic may trap moisture, encouraging mold, warping, and pests. The plastic may also react with the book. If you really want to store a book in a bag, there are better options – try a paper bag or wrap the book in paper, tissue, or plain cloth.
How much does it cost to authenticate a signature?
…
Premier Autograph Fee:
| Declared Value | Premium Fee |
|---|---|
| $10,000-$24,999 | $500 |
| $25,000–$49,999 | $1250 |
| $50,000–$99,999 | $2500 |
| $100,000 or more | CALL US |
Are signed edition books actually signed?
The author has not actually signed the book. It’s just a reproduction of the author’s signature. They are often mistaken for real signatures by novice collectors — and by experienced ones, too. It’s an easy mistake to make.
How do you tell if a signature is forged?
- Shaky handwriting.
- Pen lifts.
- Signs of retouching.
- Letter proportions.
- Signature shape and dimensions.
- Letter slants.
- Speed, acceleration, and smoothness of curves.
- Pen pressure and pressure changes.
Do authors charge more for signed copies?
How Much Should You Charge for a Signed Copy? Again, as a new or unknown self published author, your signed editions don’t have much value as collectibles. So your signed copy premium price can’t be too much more than the retail price of the book for these buyers.
Can bookstores return signed books?
You don’t get paid for events in bookshops, but it means they order a supply of your books (these days, unless you’re a best-seller, they generally stock single copies at a time, if you’re lucky!).
What do you do with a signed book?
“Signed books are listed on all of the popular book venues, and some that are not as well-known such as Bookzangle and Biblio. It may be best to contact one or more local dealers in used books to determine their interest. One can also list them on the common auction sites, where they may or may not sell.
What’s the difference between signed and inscribed?
An inscription is a short note written by the previous owner, or, in some cases, the author, in the beginning of a book. While an inscription is generally accompanied by a signature, a “signed” book specifically denotes the author’s signature, as in an autograph.
What is a flat signed book?
The term “flat signed” means the author has written their name and nothing else on the page; In the bookselling world, the term “autographed” does not mean signed but means that the document in question has been hand-written.
How do you keep autographs?
One of the best ways to protect your autograph is by framing it. Placing your autograph in a UV protective frame blocks the signature from ultraviolet rays that cause fading. Also, framing your signature makes it nearly impossible for damage to occur from any spills, smudges, or folding.
How do you preserve autographs on paper?
When securing autographs, photos, and other paper documents in protective cases, only use non-vinyl, acid free folders. Once secured, the documents can then be stored in an archival acid-free box. To get started using this method, you may want to consider purchasing an all-in-one archival document storage kit.
How do you preserve an autographed poster?
It’s crucial that you frame your signed autographs and photos with acid-free mats, paper, and other materials that are specifically designed to preserve paper items. We suggest finding a deep-set frame so that you can mount or display your autographed photos while preventing them from touching the frame’s glass.
Displaying autographed books – Best methods – Autograph Live
- Article author: live.autographmagazine.com
- Reviews from users: 35191
Ratings - Top rated: 3.9
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Displaying autographed books – Best methods – Autograph Live Don’t get books signed if you are looking for display pieces 🙂 If you don’t care about the value of the book or autograph, cut out the … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Displaying autographed books – Best methods – Autograph Live Don’t get books signed if you are looking for display pieces 🙂 If you don’t care about the value of the book or autograph, cut out the … Hello Everyone,
I was wondering if I can receive some advice from the community regarding various ways or methods you display your autograph book(s). Specifica… - Table of Contents:
The Archive Lady: Preserving Old Autograph Books – Genealogy Bargains
- Article author: genealogybargains.com
- Reviews from users: 38588 Ratings
- Top rated: 3.9
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about The Archive Lady: Preserving Old Autograph Books – Genealogy Bargains Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for The Archive Lady: Preserving Old Autograph Books – Genealogy Bargains Updating The Archive Lady tackles your most complicated personal and home archiving questions! This week at Abundant Genealogy, Melissa Barker, aka The Archive Lady, provides advice on how to preserve autograph books!
- Table of Contents:
The Archive Lady Preserving Old Autograph Books
Online Archival Material Websites
Melissa Barker’s Legacy Family Tree Webinars and QuickGuides Presenter Page
You Can Now Follow The Archive Lady on Facebook
Policies
How to tell if a signature is real |
Book Collecting Guide
- Article author: www.biblio.com
- Reviews from users: 13725 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.4
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about How to tell if a signature is real |
Book Collecting Guide
Updating … - Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to tell if a signature is real |
Book Collecting Guide
Updating Learn about book collecting at Biblio - Table of Contents:
Book Collecting Guide
Book Collecting Guide
Autographed Books | Book Collecting Tips
- Article author: www.qbbooks.com
- Reviews from users: 43572 Ratings
- Top rated: 3.1
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Autographed Books | Book Collecting Tips Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Autographed Books | Book Collecting Tips Updating Author’s autographs categories, signed limited editions, signed trade editions, and association copies
- Table of Contents:
Collected Books
Author Price Guides
Book Collecting
I’d like to be notified of new arrivals in the following categories
Things to Consider Before Adding a Signed Book to Your Collection
- Article author: blog.bookstellyouwhy.com
- Reviews from users: 7817 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.1
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Things to Consider Before Adding a Signed Book to Your Collection Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Things to Consider Before Adding a Signed Book to Your Collection Updating The aura, Walter Benjamin says, is the element of the work of art that can’t be replicated outside of its definite location in time and space, giving a ritualistic, almost mystical element that changes the way that we engage with it. This, in a nutshell, is why we value signed books.
- Table of Contents:
Things to Consider Before Adding a Signed Book to Your Collection
What Kind of Signature is It
How Rare is the Signature
What is Your Goal
How to Preserve and Display Autographed Books – Our Pastimes
- Article author: ourpastimes.com
- Reviews from users: 44104 Ratings
- Top rated: 3.5
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about How to Preserve and Display Autographed Books – Our Pastimes Within your glass-fronted bookcase, display your prized book front and center by using a small plastic or wooden stand, like those used for displaying collector … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Preserve and Display Autographed Books – Our Pastimes Within your glass-fronted bookcase, display your prized book front and center by using a small plastic or wooden stand, like those used for displaying collector … The ultimate jewel in any book lover’s collection has to be a volume signed by a favorite author; if it’s a first edition in the original dust jacket, the value only increases, sometimes exponentially. These special books deserve special care to keep them in top condition and resistant to light, water, pests …
- Table of Contents:
HOW TO MAKE
BEADS
CLEANING
CRAFTS
HOW TO MAKE ELECTRONICS
FABRIC
PAPER
PIPES
WOOD
HOW TO MAKE MISCELLANEOUS
MUSIC
DRUMS
MUSIC ELECTRONICS
INSTRUMENTS
INSTRUMENTS STRING
MUSIC THEORY
PIANO
SING
MUSIC MISCELLANEOUS
GAMES
BALL GAMES
CARD GAMES
DICE
GAMES OF CHANCE
GAMES WITH TILES
GROUP GAMES
VIDEO GAMES
YO-YO
ART
COLOR
DRAW
PAINT
PENS
PHOTO
ART VIDEOS
CROCHET
CROCHETING
EMBROIDERY
FABRICS
KNIT
QUILT
SEWING MACHINE
THREAD
CROCHET VIDEOS
YARN
ANTIQUE
ANTIQUE CHINA
CLOCKS
COINS
DOLLS
INFORMATION
ANTIQUE INSTRUMENTS
MARBLES
RECORDS
STAMPS
PERFORMANCE
DANCE
MOVIE
THEATER
JEWELRY
BRASS
COLLECTIBLES
GLASS
GOLD
METAL
SILVER
SILVERWARE
SOLDER
BEADS
CLEANING
CRAFTS
HOW TO MAKE ELECTRONICS
FABRIC
PAPER
PIPES
WOOD
HOW TO MAKE MISCELLANEOUS
DRUMS
MUSIC ELECTRONICS
INSTRUMENTS
INSTRUMENTS STRING
MUSIC THEORY
PIANO
SING
MUSIC MISCELLANEOUS
BALL GAMES
CARD GAMES
DICE
GAMES OF CHANCE
GAMES WITH TILES
GROUP GAMES
VIDEO GAMES
YO-YO
COLOR
DRAW
PAINT
PENS
PHOTO
ART VIDEOS
CROCHETING
EMBROIDERY
FABRICS
KNIT
QUILT
SEWING MACHINE
THREAD
CROCHET VIDEOS
YARN
ANTIQUE CHINA
CLOCKS
COINS
DOLLS
INFORMATION
ANTIQUE INSTRUMENTS
MARBLES
RECORDS
STAMPS
DANCE
MOVIE
THEATER
BRASS
COLLECTIBLES
GLASS
GOLD
METAL
SILVER
SILVERWARE
SOLDER
Displaying signed books… | Charles Bukowski – American author
- Article author: bukowskiforum.com
- Reviews from users: 18831 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.1
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Displaying signed books… | Charles Bukowski – American author 1) support under the book so that it does not lose its shape from the weight of the book sitting open. 2) make sure that glass is UV protected … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Displaying signed books… | Charles Bukowski – American author 1) support under the book so that it does not lose its shape from the weight of the book sitting open. 2) make sure that glass is UV protected … Does anyone have pictures of what they use to display a signed book? Or anyone have an idea where to buy something like the picture below? I found this…
- Table of Contents:
Book Display – Etsy
- Article author: www.etsy.com
- Reviews from users: 7139 Ratings
- Top rated: 3.6
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Book Display – Etsy Check out our book display selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our home & living shops. …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Book Display – Etsy Check out our book display selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our home & living shops. Check out our book display selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our home & living shops.
- Table of Contents:
Pressed Penny Collector Book Penny Adventure Book
Artisan Book Display Case 8x10x2 Heirloom Book Shadow Box Artisan Rustic Collection
Pins – Brooch Favorites – Pins Book Display
Books for Baby Card Book Request Minimalist Baby Shower Invitation Book Insert 100% Editable Templett 2 Sizes Included #0009-127BFB
Up inspired Adventure Is Out There wooden sign pressed penny display 2 feet tall
ComicMount™ Comic Book Frame Display System – Invisible and Adjustable Wall Mount or Shelf Stand
Retail Counter Display Stand Digital File – 4 Different Sizes – Ai SVG EPS – Laser CNC Cut Pattern Model – Craft booth Market Stall
Wood Book Display Wood Book Stand Recipe Book Stand Studio McGee Inspired White Oak Book Stand Contemporary Book Stand
Pressed Penny Display Pressed Elongated Penny Book Alternative Travel Souvenir Collection Display Adventure is Out There
Comic Book Wall Mount Display Shelf
Openable Book Box Coffee Table Decor Shelf Decor Vacation Style Fake Book Display Books Book Staging Colour Books Fake Book BoxGift
Open Book Display Wood Book Display Wood Book Stand Recipe Book Stand Studio McGee Inspired Book Stand Contemporary Book Stand
CGC Comic Display Shelf (Wall Mounted Display Stands)
Angled Book Rack Display
Blue Book Set Pink Book Bundle Book Decor Book Display Books By Color Decorative Book Set Book Staging Bundle of Books Cotton Candy
EmoH Tabletop Acrylic Book Display Stand –Tablet Holder for Displaying PicturesBooksMusic SheetsNotebooksCDsetc – Acrylic 2X Stand Hold
Bookmark sleeves files for Silhouette Bookmark display card designs in 3 sizes SVG epoxy bookmark DXF Studio SVG for epoxy bookmarks
Open Book Display Plan – Instant PDF Download – Book Holder Plan
Comic Book Display Frame 5 Pack for Graded Slabs Solid Black Fits all Slabs
Book Display Artwork Display Collapsible Display for Craft and Art Shows Customize with your business name
Set of 2 • Book Stand • Book display • Expositor para libros • Soporte de sobremesa
Counter 3 Tier 24 Pocket Paperback Book Display Rack (Black)
Maths & English Display Pack (save 30%)
Boho Butterfly Birthday Display Birthday Chart Butterflies Preschool Rainbow Classroom Birthday Display
Cutting Board Display Stand – SVG Digital Download
Square Notebook MockupMinimalist Journal MockupSimple Book Cover TemplateModern Diary Stationary Mockup DisplayJPG PSD Smart ObjectN295
Elongated Pressed Penny Souvenir Book Album – Up (2)
6 Easel Style Book Stand Made In the USA With Birchwood Bookstand Ready For Retail Book and Art Displays
Adjustable Acrylic Wire Display Stand Easel CHOICE Small Medium Large Black or Clear for Books Art Plates Bowls Platters Tiles Photo
Three Comic Book Storage Boxes – Includes a Plexiglass End Frame To Display Favorite Comics – Great Comic Collector or Father’s Gift
Book Stand for mothers with Retro Hollow Pattern-Personalized Wooden Cookbook Stand-Book Display-Portable Customized Recipe Holder
Open Book Stand Wood Open Book Display X Book Stand Recipe Book Stand Contemporary Book Stand
Book Display Stand – Modern steel form for displaying art – books – tablets – signs – 85 high x 95 wide
Please Leave Photo and Best Wishes for the Graduate Guestbook Photo Display Graduation Party Selfie PRINTABLE 8×10” Graduation Sign ID
Set of 6 Aqua Green Books; Home or Wedding Decor; Instant Library; Book Display; Photo Prop
Wooden Book Display Case Book Stand Wood Bookend Recipe book holder Book Showcase
What are we doing today Display Board
Comic Book Display with Action Figure shelf (Display-go)
Decorative book Coffee table Storage box Openable book Faux Book Ibiza Openable Book Box Display Books Book Staging Colour Books Gift Box
ONE Necklace Bust Fall Jewelry Show Display – Necklace & Earring Display Stand – Recycled Book w Handmade Wood Holdern – Craft Show Display
Common questions
Footer
Update your settings
Required Cookies & Technologies
Personalized Advertising
Section 36: Collecting the Sox: How do You Display Autographed Books?
- Article author: section-36.blogspot.com
- Reviews from users: 22555 Ratings
- Top rated: 3.1
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Section 36: Collecting the Sox: How do You Display Autographed Books? So, sitting on my shelf, it could be any book. The only way to see the signature is to display it propped open to the title page. Not only is … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Section 36: Collecting the Sox: How do You Display Autographed Books? So, sitting on my shelf, it could be any book. The only way to see the signature is to display it propped open to the title page. Not only is …
- Table of Contents:
Pages
Friday January 2 2015
What people are reading this week
Section 36 Store
K Garcia Productions
B On the Move
The Yogi Jedi
Sabrina
The Prep Talk
Wicked Lashes RI
COMC
View from Section 36
Charter Member
Search This Blog
Section 36 Store
Friend of the Blog
Section 36 Store
Friend of the Blog
Section 36 Store
Friend of the Blog
Please Support
About Me
Friend of the Blog
Followers
Red Sox Sections
Cardboard Sections
Other Sections
Section 36 Store
Follow Me!
Like Me!
Follow Me!
Claire Donzelli
Add Me!
Lyssa Coulter
Dana Sheridan
Jordan Whitlock
Emily Taylor
Erin Bradley
Brittany Rogers
Section 36 Store
Chelsea Scott
Section 36 Sports
Chelsea Zara
Section 36 Store
Blog Archive
Visitor Interview
Past Topics
Section 36 Suite
2017 Scavenger Hunt Champion
Section 36 Store
2015 Scavenger Hunt Champion
2014 Scavenger Hunt Champion!
2013 Scavenger Hunt Champion
2012 Scavenger Hunt Champion
2011 Scavenger Hunt Champion
2010 Scavenger Hunt Champion
2009 Scavenger Hunt Champion
Section 36: Collecting the Sox: How do You Display Autographed Books?
- Article author: forum.rebelscum.com
- Reviews from users: 48459 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.5
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Section 36: Collecting the Sox: How do You Display Autographed Books? I’m adding more and more SW autographed books by the authors to my collection, and right now they are basically shelved with all of the other SW novels I… …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Section 36: Collecting the Sox: How do You Display Autographed Books? I’m adding more and more SW autographed books by the authors to my collection, and right now they are basically shelved with all of the other SW novels I…
- Table of Contents:
Pages
Friday January 2 2015
What people are reading this week
Section 36 Store
K Garcia Productions
B On the Move
The Yogi Jedi
Sabrina
The Prep Talk
Wicked Lashes RI
COMC
View from Section 36
Charter Member
Search This Blog
Section 36 Store
Friend of the Blog
Section 36 Store
Friend of the Blog
Section 36 Store
Friend of the Blog
Please Support
About Me
Friend of the Blog
Followers
Red Sox Sections
Cardboard Sections
Other Sections
Section 36 Store
Follow Me!
Like Me!
Follow Me!
Claire Donzelli
Add Me!
Lyssa Coulter
Dana Sheridan
Jordan Whitlock
Emily Taylor
Erin Bradley
Brittany Rogers
Section 36 Store
Chelsea Scott
Section 36 Sports
Chelsea Zara
Section 36 Store
Blog Archive
Visitor Interview
Past Topics
Section 36 Suite
2017 Scavenger Hunt Champion
Section 36 Store
2015 Scavenger Hunt Champion
2014 Scavenger Hunt Champion!
2013 Scavenger Hunt Champion
2012 Scavenger Hunt Champion
2011 Scavenger Hunt Champion
2010 Scavenger Hunt Champion
2009 Scavenger Hunt Champion
See more articles in the same category here: https://chewathai27.com/toplist.
The Archive Lady: Preserving Old Autograph Books
The Archive Lady: Preserving Old Autograph Books
Maggie in Tennessee asks: “I have some of my family members’ autograph books. They are from when they were in high school and college, and date from the 1920’s and 1930’s. These books are coming apart and I need to do something. What is the best way to preserve and archive autograph books?”
Maggie asks a great question about a type of genealogical record that many of us have in our own collections. Autograph books can be a true treasure for any genealogist and should be preserved and archived so our descendants can enjoy them as well.
Autograph books have been around for centuries. Originally, autograph books were a way for students to collect signatures of classmates and teachers. Most often, students would ask their fellow students and teachers to use the blank pages in the autograph book to record their signature. Many times, a brief message, poem or some other verse would also be written along with the signature. As these types of autograph books became more popular, it was not unusual to find an entire page filled with kind words and other prose ending with the person’s signature. This type of autograph book resembles some of the Twitter and Facebook posts of today.
The very first step everyone should take when preserving and archiving autograph books is to digitize each page. So many of our original records are deteriorating, even as I write this column. The very best way to preserve the information contained in an autograph book is to scan and digitize each and every page. It is also recommended that the contents be transcribed. Digitization and transcription is becoming the first line of defense for many of our fragile and deteriorating records.
The steps to physically archiving the books are very simple and only require a few archival items that may need to be purchased. These items can be purchased through any online archival materials store (see list below).
Place archival tissue paper between each and every page. This will protect each page in case the book comes in contact with moisture and the ink bleeds onto the other pages. After all these years, the ink has set but if the book comes into contact with high humidity or moisture of any kind, the ink can run and bleed.
Next, place the book into an archival box lined with archival tissue paper. Be sure the book does not move around in the box because that could cause damage. If you need to, crumple up archival tissue paper and place round the book to keep it from moving. Always store any kind of books, whether they are in an archival box or not, laying down. Storing books standing up can put pressure on the spines and cause damage over time.
Always store genealogy records, photographs and ephemera in a cool, dark and dry place. None of us have perfect archival conditions in our homes but we can take steps to have our records stored in the best possible places. Remember to never store records in an attic or basement. Humidity, varying temperatures and sunlight are the worse conditions for documents, photographs and ephemera.
I would also encourage Maggie or anyone that has autograph books to share copies, indexes or digital images with the local archive where your family members lived. Autograph books usually include many people from the local area and there may be genealogists that would benefit from finding a family member’s signature in the autograph book.
If you have autograph books like Maggie does, use these simple steps to preserve them for future generations to enjoy.
Online Archival Material Websites
Here is a listing of online archival materials stores. Archival sleeves for letters can be purchased at any of the following online archival stores. They all have online catalogs and paper catalogs that can be sent to your home. Also, be sure to sign up for email notifications because they periodically have sales and will send out email notifications.
Gaylord Archival
http://www.gaylord.com/
Hollinger Metal Edge
http://www.hollingermetaledge.com/
University Products
http://www.universityproducts.com/
Archival Products
http://www.archival.com/
Light Impressions
http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/
Melissa Barker’s Legacy Family Tree Webinars and QuickGuides Presenter Page
http://legacy.familytreewebinars.com/?aid=2967
You Can Now Follow The Archive Lady on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheArchiveLady/
***
If you have a question about researching in archives or records preservation for The Archive Lady, send an email with your question to: [email protected]
Melissa Barker lives in Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee. She is the Houston County (TN) Archivist and a Professional Genealogist. She writes the blog, A Genealogist in the Archives, and has been researching her own family for over 26 years. She lectures, teaches and writes about researching in archives and records preservation.
©2018, copyright Melissa Barker. All rights Reserved.
How to tell if a signature is real
Book Collecting Guide How to tell if a signature is real Signed books can be worth quite a bit. How you can be sure that a signature found in a book or document is indeed the real thing?
This is intended to be an overview of the basics. Authenticating signatures is a highly specialized discipline that takes years of experience to master, but when an expert isn’t available or practical, there are some tips that amateurs can use to get a better idea of whether a signature is real or not.
The single most important question to start with is ’is there a reason for someone to fake this signature?’
There’s a deep gulf between the gains of a page signed by Shakespeare and a local author who drops by the independent bookstore to restock their titles once a week. Obviously, that hypothetical Shakespeare signature is one of the most extreme and unlikely examples, but the principle remains. On the very high side of that equation, professional forgers have motivation to use methods and materials that prevent anyone but the most trained and well equipped professional from being able to detect the forgery. The most accomplished of forgers formulate their own ink out of period-correct chemicals including chemical aging agents. Impeccable, but entirely fake, original holographic documents are created from scratch by starting with blank paper from the correct era, sometimes acquired by cutting the blank sheets at the end of old books. The art and science of uncovering those frauds takes far more specialized knowledge than will be covered here.
Actual Signature vs Printed Signature
One honest mistake that people sometimes make with older books is to misinterpret an author signature that is printed with the book rather than added by hand after publication. Authors that became sufficiently famous within their own career sometimes had their signature on the printing plate for decoration. Some of the later works of Robert Frost show that tradition, as do some uniform binding series, such as the Hillcrest Edition of the works of Mark Twain. A few tricks for checking whether the signature you are looking at is a true signature as opposed to something printed with the book:
Flip the signed page over to look at the back side of it (called the recto in the terms of the trade).
Hold that page up to the light. Does the ink of the signature bleed through the paper at all? Does the ink of the lines of the signature block the light coming through the page evenly, or are there areas that seem to be darker, more heavily lined?
Flipping back over to the front side of that signature (the verso of the page), look at the page at a oblique angle. Is there any indentation on the page where a pen may have scratched the paper? Does the ink seem to bleed slightly into the surrounding paper?
If the answer to any of those questions was ’yes’ you have gotten a little further toward the potential for a real signature.
If you can reasonably be sure that the signature you are looking at was added by hand, the next step is to see how likely it is to be real. Start by comparing the example you are looking at to a known example. The internet provides a great resource for finding examples of famous signatures, but it may take a little work to find a comparison for what you are trying to authenticate. I once was able to find the example I needed under the dust jacket of the same book. The publisher had the author’s signature decorating the front board, giving me an incredibly convenient example.
Keep in mind that signatures change as we age. Check when the author likely added that signature and compare it to one of the same approximate vintage if possible. If the author added both a signature and date, it makes things simple. If there isn’t a date, the signature may have been added any time between after the date of publication. It pays to do a little quick fact checking on this point. Posthumously published books and editions printed after an author’s death are very unlikely to have been signed, so make sure that the signature you are looking at is even possible before spending too much time on the finer points.
The next step is to look at the signature closely. A good source of light and a loupe or magnifying glass are important here. Look at the lines in the signature. Does the ink make sense for the time of that signature?
Felt tip pens will leave a distinctive trail somewhat like a brush stroke across the surface of the paper. Felt tip pens started becoming popular in the 1950’s, so a signature that predates that time probably shouldn’t look like a felt tip.
will leave a distinctive trail somewhat like a brush stroke across the surface of the paper. Felt tip pens started becoming popular in the 1950’s, so a signature that predates that time probably shouldn’t look like a felt tip. Ballpoint pens tend to leave an indentation on the page, and exhibit a fairly distinctive clean narrow line. Ballpoint pens are ubiquitous now, but weren’t really available before the 20th Century.
tend to leave an indentation on the page, and exhibit a fairly distinctive clean narrow line. Ballpoint pens are ubiquitous now, but weren’t really available before the 20th Century. Pen and ink was fairly standard before the turn of the 20th Century. The lines left by the nibs of these pens tended to be a little broader than ballpoints, with the ink frequently bleeding slightly into the surrounding paper.
Is the signature fluid?
Look for hesitation marks where a line breaks at a strange place or ink may have pooled where a pen rested for a prolonged period. Most people, after a lifetime of signing documents, have a signature that is a natural, uninterrupted motion. Someone tracing or trying to match an example may not be able to achieve that with a single flourish.
The counter to that is the age of an author. An unsteady hand may be the natural result of aging, so a tremor in the signature line might actually help authenticate it.
If your signature passes all of those basic tests, you may want to next go to the professionals.
There are many signature experts in the business, but keep in mind there is no universal professional certification or licensing. The experience and reputation of the professional is your guideline. Also, keep in mind any statement of authenticity provided is that individual’s expert opinion. Many of the same principles for professional authentication of a signature are the same as getting a professional appraisal. If the goal is to sell the item, starting out with talking to professional sellers in the field about how much they can offer you may save you enormous amounts of time and money over marketing it yourself.
Related resources
Book Collecting Tips
Autographed Books
Author’s autographs in a book may be considered in various categories, including signed limited editions, signed trade editions, and association copies. We’ve discussed limited editions elsewhere on the site.
Signed trade editions are copies of the regular trade first edition signed by the author, with or without an inscription. These signed books will usually sell for at least twice as much as an unsigned copy, but the real determinant of price will be the value of the author’s signature. Some authors are very generous in signing their books; as a result, their signatures may be worth only $10 or $15, representing the price difference between a signed and an unsigned copy of a first edition, or the price of a signed later printing. On the other hand, some authors very rarely sign a book and their signatures alone may be worth $50 or more; again, this would establish a price. Further, some authors are very free with their signatures but very rarely inscribe copies of their books, and therefore inscribed copies, even if the recipient is unknown, will command a premium.
Value of Signed vs. Inscribed Books
We are often asked about the value of a first edition that is inscribed by the author to another person versus the value of the same book just signed by the author. We understand that if the original recipient of the book is not well known, or of general interest, some collectors prefer the author’s signature without the inscription. From our point of view we would always prefer an inscribed copy and think it is worth more than a copy that is just signed by the author. However, we understand that if the author is young and the collector hopes one day to meet the author at a signing, or perhaps send some of his books to get the author to sign, the collector will not want to buy a copy of the book inscribed to some unknown person. From our point of view, we know that after the death of an author, inscribed copies are always worth more than copies that are just signed, Also, from our point of view, the inscription allows us to have more of the author’s handwriting to examine to assure ourselves and our customers that it is a genuine author’s autograph.
Association copies are books that include a signed inscription from the author to another famous personality or someone important within the framework of the particular author’s life and work. These will be valued more highly than the normal signed first edition, depending on the importance of the recipient involved.
So you have finished reading the how to display signed books topic article, if you find this article useful, please share it. Thank you very much. See more: how to preserve a signed book, how to frame a signed book, signed book display case, book display stand, archival book supports, book wedges
