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Value of Autograph

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:12 am
by fcsaunders
How does one value an autographed 1st edition? Is there an established "additional" value for the signature? Thanks for any help?

Fran

Re: Value of Autograph

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 3:55 am
by kieron
Speaking as a buyer, I'd probably go up to about $200 extra for a signature in the right book, but there are a few things to take into account. Some books are harder to find and therefore more desirable than others, for example, there seem to be a lot more signed firsts of 'Lisey's Story´' and 'Insomnia' (both of which had big signing tours) than there are of 'Hearts in Atlantis' or 'Everything's Eventual'. The other big thing for me is condition. If a books in less than Near Fine (i.e. almost perfect) condition, I'm gonna be a lot less tempted by the signature, especially if it's a relatively recent book.

Re: Value of Autograph

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:08 am
by jhanic
I would also say to be very, very careful of buying a signed trade edition (as opposed to a signed limited). There are lots and lots of fakes out there.

There is a website (http://skfakes.proboards46.com/index.cgi) and also the people on another bulletin board (http://www.thedarktower.net/palaver) that are willing and able to help verify autographs. One of the best sellers on the web, Dave Hutcheson (http://www.marketworks.com/storefrontpr ... 0007&sid=1) will also gladly help.

John

Re: Value of Autograph

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:55 pm
by Trashcan Man
For a more common 1st edition , in Fine/Fine condition, the signature can add $200-250 in value.

Of course you can always win one on ebay for a little cheaper.
The more rare signed 1st edition prices range from $300 to $3,000 and in a few cases, much more. It depends on the title, condition, and when it was signed. Early signature tend to command more.

As always, do your research. Although ebay may be a good source for winning good books, it takes some caution. Some ebay sellers also price their items out of the ball-park, making it even more difficult to analyze value.

If you don't have time to research to find your book at the best possible price, buy from a trusted and reputable seller that you feel comfortable with. Such a bookseller will maintain their good reputation by offering only legitimate and authentic items.

Re: Value of Autograph

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 11:08 pm
by Tober138
What do you all think about inscriptions? I would think these would de-value the book somewhat (as opposed to a flat signature). As a collector, I would have no interest in buying a book inscribed to Jim or Joe or to someone else - yet there does seem to be a market for such things, which I really don't understand.

Re: Value of Autograph

Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:54 am
by fcsaunders
Thank you all for these wonderful tips. I certainly appreciate all your help. My simply signed copy was originally purchased from a very reputable dealer, but I will check the sites you all mentioned anyway. Fran

Re: Value of Autograph

Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:13 pm
by e_taylor
Tober138 wrote:What do you all think about inscriptions? I would think these would de-value the book somewhat (as opposed to a flat signature). As a collector, I would have no interest in buying a book inscribed to Jim or Joe or to someone else - yet there does seem to be a market for such things, which I really don't understand.
Authenticity. The longer an inscription, the harder the forgery.

Re: Value of Autograph

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:55 pm
by Tober138
e_taylor wrote:
Tober138 wrote:What do you all think about inscriptions? I would think these would de-value the book somewhat (as opposed to a flat signature). As a collector, I would have no interest in buying a book inscribed to Jim or Joe or to someone else - yet there does seem to be a market for such things, which I really don't understand.
Authenticity. The longer an inscription, the harder the forgery.
Fair enough...I guess the question is - would you (or any of the collectors out here) want a book on your shelf that was made out to someone else at the time that it was signed?

Maybe its just a personal thing with me, but, my name is Stephen, why the heck would I want to have a book signed by SK (or any author) that starts out with: "To Jane..."

Re: Value of Autograph

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:02 am
by TheCollector
I guess the question is - would you (or any of the collectors out here) want a book on your shelf that was made out to someone else at the time that it was signed?
For me, it would depend on the book and what was written. If it was an older book with a neat inscription like a copy of The Stand that says "M-O-O-N that spells Nebraska!" I'd take it. SK used to have all sorts of nifty inscriptions early in his career.

In general though, I'd prefer flatsigned if I was certain it was authentic.

Re: Value of Autograph

Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:24 am
by jasimp
Would anyone have an estimate of how much additional value a Phil Hale signature would have on The Drawing of the Three, First Edition?