Value of Lance Armstrong predictions

LochNESS

OK since the forum was empty, here's a reasonably appropriate topic of debate:

With all the Lance Armstrong drama going on these days, do you believe his autographs will rise or fall in value?

magikbilly

<< <i>OK since the forum was empty, here's a reasonably appropriate topic of debate:

With all the Lance Armstrong drama going on these days, do you believe his autographs will rise or fall in value? >>



Hello,

Good question. This will be something akin to "sympathy buying" after a celebrity dies. I don't know any dealer who would even carry him as he is still alive, and a fad at that. Having said that, his "price" will rise for a time and then, when demand is met, the "price" will stabilize, usually at or slightly above previous levels. This is not the time to buy

Best wishes,
Eric

LochNESS

If the demand is going to stabilize at or above present levels, then wouldn't now be the best time to buy? Or, are you saying it's too late because the time has passed?

magikbilly

<< <i>If the demand is going to stabilize at or above present levels, then wouldn't now be the best time to buy? Or, are you saying it's too late because the time has passed? >>



Hi,

I am saying he is most likely over priced now, if he is desirable. Wait 3 years and he will bring less.

Eric

LochNESS

Oh OK thanks I understand now what you were saying.

So, you primarily deal in autographs of the deceased? or retired?

magikbilly

<< <i>Oh OK thanks I understand now what you were saying.

So, you primarily deal in autographs of the deceased? or retired? >>



Hi,

it just seems that way A lot of dealers don't sell living folks as well as modern fads like a Bieber - the prices and signing habits are all over the place and it is just not worth it, to me. It is a different base. What are your collecting interests?

Best wishes,
Eric

LochNESS

Well, when it comes to sigs the "collector's value" is typically my last concern. I usually only acquire the sig of someone who is prominent in another field of interest.

For example, I love to read so I have quite a few "first edition" books signed by the author.

I am very much into coins as my signature implies, so I have a couple PCGS "signature series" slabs. I also have some prints and other items signed by mint officials, etc. that I picked up at various shows.

I have a decent comic book collection, and most of them are signed. In fact come to think of it, I probably have over 1,000 signed comics. So that's my largest collection of autographs by far ...

When you acquire your autographs, what are they typically on/in? A notebook? Loose papers?

magikbilly

"...When you acquire your autographs, what are they typically on/in? A notebook? Loose papers?"

My interests are so specific I can't apply "typically". I collect vintage only signed studio portraits, signed movie stills (true originals only), checks, programs, candid photographs etc. 99% bought raw on eBay and other venues. I sell when I upgrade, I sell when I get good deals which are passed on to the buyer. Never had a return. Lifetime guarantee for all to pass any reasonable examination.

Brest wishes and thanks for the question

Eric

LochNESS

<< <i>...signed movie stills (true originals only) >>



Eric, how do I know if it's a movie "still" or not? I have seen some 8x10 film cells, usually these are animation like Disney stuff, is that what you're talking about?

I have a glossy 8x10 from a Ben Kingsley movie. It's a scene where he's talking to the director about a shot, I think. I haven't looked at it for a few years but I know exactly where to find it... anyway would that be considered a still? or not? I've been trying to decide what to do with it since I got it, which is the main reason I still have it

~Nick

magikbilly

Hi Lochness,

that is not easily answered. I am talking about original movie stills - these can be broken down into stills made to advertise a film and production stills made during...production. Film cells as you mentioned are not in my area. The item you mention of Kingsley sounds like a production still; something made during production. If it is original or a restrike from the negative, or a period copy, or something more recent is another story. It is a very complex subject and I wish I had the energy and time to go into it all. Most all "original movie stills" I see are not genuine.

Best wishes,
Eric

magikbilly

Hello Lochness,

Re original movie stills - you know coins. It is not as hard to distinguish as original skin or AT, but close, because there are comparatively so few out there and most younger collectors have not handled genuine stills as much. In a nutshell (and condensed), an original vintage still from the 30's or 40's will be razor sharp in all areas including corners, sepia toned black and white with rich blacks and clean whites, on double weight fibrous paper and will be of obvious high quality when compared with a copy print or the like. There may be studio stamps (some are embossed like FOXFILMS), markings, notes on the reverse for reproduction or cropping for newspapers etc.
There is no substitute for handing the originals and restrikes, later copies and modern fakes.
I wish I could get more into this right now but time does not allow

Best wishes,
Eric