Questions about a John Wayne autograph

[Les Hazlewood]

I'm sorting out the affairs of my late parents, and I've come across a
John Wayne autograph on a slightly dog-eared around the edges (but
otherwise blank and good condition) envelope.

I recall my father saying that he was in the same airplane flight
waiting lounge as John Wayne, and the only piece of paper he had to hand
to get his signature on was an envelope. It has since been lying in a
drawer with lots of other old papers, bills, receipts, etc.

My father stopped work in about 1976, and although he travelled a lot
for work around Europe and Canada, this was mainly in about the last 10
years before he retired. So my guess is that the signature dates from
somewhere between about 1966 and 1973 (my father was not well in the
last few years before he retired and I don't think he did much/any
traveling over that period).

So to my questions:

1) I've seen lots of "for sale" figures quoted for John Wayne
autographs, ranging from a few 10's to a few 1000's of UKP. So what sort
of ball-park figure could I expect to raise by selling the autograph?

2) I've seen lots of "authenticated" autographs for sale, so is there
any way of "authenticating" what I have?

3) I'm executor for my mother's estate (my father died in 1989), and I'm
obliged (in the interests of the beneficiaries of the estate, and the
Inland Revenue!!!) to get a "good" price for the sale of the autograph.
So what is the best way to try and sell the autograph (for someone
living in the UK)?

Many thanks in anticipation of some helpful replies.

Best wishes

Les Hazlewood

email : ***@aston.ac.uk

[Sue H]

On Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:55:52 +0100, Les Hazlewood

Post by Les Hazlewood
I'm sorting out the affairs of my late parents, and I've come across a
John Wayne autograph on a slightly dog-eared around the edges (but
otherwise blank and good condition) envelope.
I recall my father saying that he was in the same airplane flight
waiting lounge as John Wayne, and the only piece of paper he had to hand
to get his signature on was an envelope. It has since been lying in a
drawer with lots of other old papers, bills, receipts, etc.
My father stopped work in about 1976, and although he travelled a lot
for work around Europe and Canada, this was mainly in about the last 10
years before he retired. So my guess is that the signature dates from
somewhere between about 1966 and 1973 (my father was not well in the
last few years before he retired and I don't think he did much/any
traveling over that period).
1) I've seen lots of "for sale" figures quoted for John Wayne
autographs, ranging from a few 10's to a few 1000's of UKP. So what sort
of ball-park figure could I expect to raise by selling the autograph?

He fetches better than a lot of celebs but it's on an envelope which
is not really desirable and the condition is also less than desirable.
You probably won't be able to get more than a couple hundred, provided
that you have something else as proof.... and a story isn't really
good enough. If you'd ebay it now, I would bet you'd not get more than
50 bucks max. Don't Ebay it whatever you do, there's not much value
there. try other places first. Of course, you never know though.
Sometimes, on the right day, the right person comes along... it's a
game of chance though. But times are tough and the market has
declined.

Post by Les Hazlewood
2) I've seen lots of "authenticated" autographs for sale, so is there
any way of "authenticating" what I have?

There are places that authenticate for money but I personally would
advise against that for two reasons. 1) they're not necessarily
better than any of us at authenticating (and you can teach yourself to
do it) and 2) they charge a lot, make errors and it's not worth it.
to authenticate, first, search Google for someone who's a die hard fan
of his and see if they have anything you can compare to. Find in
persons online not just anywhere, but UACC certified that might have
something, or someone who has documentation or other support showing
they got theirs in person and where you can compare sigs too. You can
look for studio preprints as well. If anyone has published those,
those are a good way to compare. Remember though sigs change through
the years, so a 1950's signature won't necessarily be close to a 1970
signature. Check sites like mine for signatures which you might be
able to compare to: here's the link and I think John Wayne I have an
official example of (licensed) www.starwarsautographcollecting.com
click on the signature database link on the home page and then actors.
Then click John Wayne...

Post by Les Hazlewood
3) I'm executor for my mother's estate (my father died in 1989), and I'm
obliged (in the interests of the beneficiaries of the estate, and the
Inland Revenue!!!) to get a "good" price for the sale of the autograph.
So what is the best way to try and sell the autograph (for someone
living in the UK)?

If you are in the UK and want to submit to some online sites they may
take consignments. Go to my site (above) and in the left column click
the "resources" link. You'll see there a few names in the middle
column (you'll have to scroll down) some very reputable places like
Signature House which may accept a consignment provided they feel it's
authentic. You might try local auction houses and ask if they do
emphera auctions. Sometimes, specific auctions happen for that. RR
auction takes some consignments. But an envelope I don't know. People
want scripts, posters, photos and relevant documents more so than
envelopes and album pages and such. However, some will clip the
signatures and matte them with a photo for display. So depending on
how clear the sig is and how clean, you might be able to sell it ok.

Post by Les Hazlewood
Many thanks in anticipation of some helpful replies.

Here's a word of advice to all collectors or people who come across
autographs and think they'll be rich; don't get your hopes up. It's
rare to get more than a couple hundred for any "popular" celebrity
signatures these days. Unless super stardom or historically
significant or very freshly at the height of popularity (fad sold on
the right day) you probably won't get thousands for anything. It has
to be pretty special or very rare or very desirable. You're on the
edge with this one; an Alist celeb but he's gone and this generation
isn't as appreciative as the last was so I'd bet it's on a slight
decline. You got a good sig but it's my personal opinion you will not
get thousands for it. Good luck and let us know what happens. Hope
this helped a little.

Post by Les Hazlewood
Best wishes
Les Hazlewood

[Les Hazlewood]

Sue,

Many thanks for the prompt response.

Before I found this envelope I knew nothing about autographs - I'm now
starting to learn a bit more. A couple of emails and posts from people
who know the area can save many hours of research, and provide some
clarity through the mire of Web hype!!! Once again, many thanks for
taking the trouble to provide such a comprehensive reply.

Best wishes

Les Hazlewood

Post by Sue H
On Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:55:52 +0100, Les Hazlewood

Post by Les Hazlewood
I'm sorting out the affairs of my late parents, and I've come across a
John Wayne autograph on a slightly dog-eared around the edges (but
otherwise blank and good condition) envelope.
I recall my father saying that he was in the same airplane flight
waiting lounge as John Wayne, and the only piece of paper he had to hand
to get his signature on was an envelope. It has since been lying in a
drawer with lots of other old papers, bills, receipts, etc.
My father stopped work in about 1976, and although he travelled a lot
for work around Europe and Canada, this was mainly in about the last 10
years before he retired. So my guess is that the signature dates from
somewhere between about 1966 and 1973 (my father was not well in the
last few years before he retired and I don't think he did much/any
traveling over that period).
1) I've seen lots of "for sale" figures quoted for John Wayne
autographs, ranging from a few 10's to a few 1000's of UKP. So what sort
of ball-park figure could I expect to raise by selling the autograph?

He fetches better than a lot of celebs but it's on an envelope which
is not really desirable and the condition is also less than desirable.
You probably won't be able to get more than a couple hundred, provided
that you have something else as proof.... and a story isn't really
good enough. If you'd ebay it now, I would bet you'd not get more than
50 bucks max. Don't Ebay it whatever you do, there's not much value
there. try other places first. Of course, you never know though.
Sometimes, on the right day, the right person comes along... it's a
game of chance though. But times are tough and the market has
declined.

Post by Les Hazlewood
2) I've seen lots of "authenticated" autographs for sale, so is there
any way of "authenticating" what I have?

There are places that authenticate for money but I personally would
advise against that for two reasons. 1) they're not necessarily
better than any of us at authenticating (and you can teach yourself to
do it) and 2) they charge a lot, make errors and it's not worth it.
to authenticate, first, search Google for someone who's a die hard fan
of his and see if they have anything you can compare to. Find in
persons online not just anywhere, but UACC certified that might have
something, or someone who has documentation or other support showing
they got theirs in person and where you can compare sigs too. You can
look for studio preprints as well. If anyone has published those,
those are a good way to compare. Remember though sigs change through
the years, so a 1950's signature won't necessarily be close to a 1970
signature. Check sites like mine for signatures which you might be
able to compare to: here's the link and I think John Wayne I have an
official example of (licensed) www.starwarsautographcollecting.com
click on the signature database link on the home page and then actors.
Then click John Wayne...

Post by Les Hazlewood
3) I'm executor for my mother's estate (my father died in 1989), and I'm
obliged (in the interests of the beneficiaries of the estate, and the
Inland Revenue!!!) to get a "good" price for the sale of the autograph.
So what is the best way to try and sell the autograph (for someone
living in the UK)?

If you are in the UK and want to submit to some online sites they may
take consignments. Go to my site (above) and in the left column click
the "resources" link. You'll see there a few names in the middle
column (you'll have to scroll down) some very reputable places like
Signature House which may accept a consignment provided they feel it's
authentic. You might try local auction houses and ask if they do
emphera auctions. Sometimes, specific auctions happen for that. RR
auction takes some consignments. But an envelope I don't know. People
want scripts, posters, photos and relevant documents more so than
envelopes and album pages and such. However, some will clip the
signatures and matte them with a photo for display. So depending on
how clear the sig is and how clean, you might be able to sell it ok.

Post by Les Hazlewood
Many thanks in anticipation of some helpful replies.

Here's a word of advice to all collectors or people who come across
autographs and think they'll be rich; don't get your hopes up. It's
rare to get more than a couple hundred for any "popular" celebrity
signatures these days. Unless super stardom or historically
significant or very freshly at the height of popularity (fad sold on
the right day) you probably won't get thousands for anything. It has
to be pretty special or very rare or very desirable. You're on the
edge with this one; an Alist celeb but he's gone and this generation
isn't as appreciative as the last was so I'd bet it's on a slight
decline. You got a good sig but it's my personal opinion you will not
get thousands for it. Good luck and let us know what happens. Hope
this helped a little.

Post by Les Hazlewood
Best wishes
Les Hazlewood

[Sue H]

Happy to help; I've collected many years... Not John Wayne, but I have
a good general knowledge of all things relating to
autographs/valuations etc.

On Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:11:53 +0100, Les Hazlewood

Post by Les Hazlewood
Sue,
Many thanks for the prompt response.
Before I found this envelope I knew nothing about autographs - I'm now
starting to learn a bit more. A couple of emails and posts from people
who know the area can save many hours of research, and provide some
clarity through the mire of Web hype!!! Once again, many thanks for
taking the trouble to provide such a comprehensive reply.
Best wishes
Les Hazlewood

Post by Sue H
On Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:55:52 +0100, Les Hazlewood

Post by Les Hazlewood
I'm sorting out the affairs of my late parents, and I've come across a
John Wayne autograph on a slightly dog-eared around the edges (but
otherwise blank and good condition) envelope.
I recall my father saying that he was in the same airplane flight
waiting lounge as John Wayne, and the only piece of paper he had to hand
to get his signature on was an envelope. It has since been lying in a
drawer with lots of other old papers, bills, receipts, etc.
My father stopped work in about 1976, and although he travelled a lot
for work around Europe and Canada, this was mainly in about the last 10
years before he retired. So my guess is that the signature dates from
somewhere between about 1966 and 1973 (my father was not well in the
last few years before he retired and I don't think he did much/any
traveling over that period).
1) I've seen lots of "for sale" figures quoted for John Wayne
autographs, ranging from a few 10's to a few 1000's of UKP. So what sort
of ball-park figure could I expect to raise by selling the autograph?

He fetches better than a lot of celebs but it's on an envelope which
is not really desirable and the condition is also less than desirable.
You probably won't be able to get more than a couple hundred, provided
that you have something else as proof.... and a story isn't really
good enough. If you'd ebay it now, I would bet you'd not get more than
50 bucks max. Don't Ebay it whatever you do, there's not much value
there. try other places first. Of course, you never know though.
Sometimes, on the right day, the right person comes along... it's a
game of chance though. But times are tough and the market has
declined.

Post by Les Hazlewood
2) I've seen lots of "authenticated" autographs for sale, so is there
any way of "authenticating" what I have?

There are places that authenticate for money but I personally would
advise against that for two reasons. 1) they're not necessarily
better than any of us at authenticating (and you can teach yourself to
do it) and 2) they charge a lot, make errors and it's not worth it.
to authenticate, first, search Google for someone who's a die hard fan
of his and see if they have anything you can compare to. Find in
persons online not just anywhere, but UACC certified that might have
something, or someone who has documentation or other support showing
they got theirs in person and where you can compare sigs too. You can
look for studio preprints as well. If anyone has published those,
those are a good way to compare. Remember though sigs change through
the years, so a 1950's signature won't necessarily be close to a 1970
signature. Check sites like mine for signatures which you might be
able to compare to: here's the link and I think John Wayne I have an
official example of (licensed) www.starwarsautographcollecting.com
click on the signature database link on the home page and then actors.
Then click John Wayne...

Post by Les Hazlewood
3) I'm executor for my mother's estate (my father died in 1989), and I'm
obliged (in the interests of the beneficiaries of the estate, and the
Inland Revenue!!!) to get a "good" price for the sale of the autograph.
So what is the best way to try and sell the autograph (for someone
living in the UK)?

If you are in the UK and want to submit to some online sites they may
take consignments. Go to my site (above) and in the left column click
the "resources" link. You'll see there a few names in the middle
column (you'll have to scroll down) some very reputable places like
Signature House which may accept a consignment provided they feel it's
authentic. You might try local auction houses and ask if they do
emphera auctions. Sometimes, specific auctions happen for that. RR
auction takes some consignments. But an envelope I don't know. People
want scripts, posters, photos and relevant documents more so than
envelopes and album pages and such. However, some will clip the
signatures and matte them with a photo for display. So depending on
how clear the sig is and how clean, you might be able to sell it ok.

Post by Les Hazlewood
Many thanks in anticipation of some helpful replies.

Here's a word of advice to all collectors or people who come across
autographs and think they'll be rich; don't get your hopes up. It's
rare to get more than a couple hundred for any "popular" celebrity
signatures these days. Unless super stardom or historically
significant or very freshly at the height of popularity (fad sold on
the right day) you probably won't get thousands for anything. It has
to be pretty special or very rare or very desirable. You're on the
edge with this one; an Alist celeb but he's gone and this generation
isn't as appreciative as the last was so I'd bet it's on a slight
decline. You got a good sig but it's my personal opinion you will not
get thousands for it. Good luck and let us know what happens. Hope
this helped a little.

Post by Les Hazlewood
Best wishes
Les Hazlewood

[bill haverchuck]

Post by Sue H
Happy to help; I've collected many years... Not John Wayne, but I have
a good general knowledge of all things relating to
autographs/valuations etc.
On Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:11:53 +0100, Les Hazlewood

How much for the late great Slim Whitman ?
He sold more records than the Beatles in Haiti