Newbie autograph collecting question

RobKay

Hi everyone! New collector here.

I've started collecting some sports cards over the past couple years and I want to start trying to get a few of them autographed.

Now, I know this may seem like a dumb question (maybe I'm obsessing..), but I see a lot of cards autographed with those silver colored pens. When it comes to collecting, is there any preference as to the type of pen used?

Obviously, you wouldn't want to use one of those erasable markers (drrrrr...), but is there any preference as to a particular color, point size (fine, medium, etc.), brand of marker? I just want to try to get the best results and maximize that quality and value of my collectible.

Also, what about storage? I've been using the UltraPro sleeves for my best stuff as it seems like a very good quality product. For cards that I have larger quantities of I use the clear he plastic boxes. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Rob

mikeschmidt

Rob-

I think it depends. I think collectors generally prefer a thin-point sharpie for modern generation players. Thicker sharpie for 8x10s, etc. Ballpoint is always preferred for baseballs.

With vintage signatures, generally ballpoint is considered preferable.

From a pure authentication standpoint, ballpoint is much easier to authenticate than sharpie, as it is much easier to gauge pressure, stop/start points, etc. than with a traditional sharpie signature.

~ms

RobKay

Mike, thank you so much for that post. You just raised my insight to another level. I think what you are saying is that you basically try to match the media to the era of the collectible which is something I never would have thought of.

Say if I have a card that is 30 years old, and would be fortunate enough to obtain a current signature, it would look kind of silly to have it signed in a big fat silver sharpie as they didn't exist 30 years ago (at least I don't think they did..). Makes total sense.

I went to a college autograph session a year ago where they were handing out team posters. The players were signing the posters with well worn medium point silver sharpies. However, I had a few cards that I wanted signed instead of the posters. The cards were signed with the pens they had on hand which I didn't think looked that great on the cards. At least I got the auto's, but next time I'll know to take my own pens along just in case.

Thanks a lot!