As much as possible, do not attempt any changes to an original autograph. Avoid erasures, writing notations, bending or folding, or unnecessary exposure to light and heat. (Letters and documents sometimes pass through the hands of several collectors and dealers over time. They may come with important notations on them. If these are removed it is best to make a record of this information as it may prove helpful in determining provenance.
Letters and cards should be stored flat, unfolded, in Mylar or other archival-safe sleeves. Avoid document protectors that emit an “odor” as they usually contain harmful chemicals that could, over time, damage autographs.
Never attempt to remove old tape from documents. Leave this to a professional conservator, particularly if the tape is close to the actual handwriting. You may safely remove paperclips and staples but exercise care.
If signed photographs are to be stored and not framed and displayed, they should also be placed in Mylar safe archival sleeves. For extra protection we recommend placing an acid-free barrier board behind the signed photograph before placing it in the Mylar sleeve. As much as possible, try to store signed photographs flat in an approved archival-safe storage box.
Signed photographs and documents that are to be matted, framed and displayed, require special care and attention. Always have a professional framer properly conserve your treasures. Make certain that all original autograph material, that comes in contact with a overlay matboard, is acid-free. Ask the merchant to use acid-free mounting tapes as well which are reversible. Some framers using ultraviolet plastic barrier today instead of glass. This is a matter of personal preference. We do not feel it is necessary to spend more money on museum conservation glass unless the value of the material being framed is over $500.
If displaying your autograph:
a. Place framed piece on an inside wall
b. Avoid placement near heat registers or direct sunlight
c. Rotate your autograph material from time to time and store it flat away from light.
d. Some contemporary photographs (black and white and colour) do experience chemical breakdown overtime. This often cannot be prevented. An unsigned photograph can always be replaced. A signed photograph, depending upon rarity, might be more difficult to replace. By avoiding direct sunlight or fluctuations in temperature, your autograph treasure will last for years to come. The University of Waterloo, Canada, and many other websites, offer helpful tips for preserving precious documents and photographs: lib.uwaterloo.ca/discipline/SpecColl/wonder.html.
Sunlight, dampness and heat are the enemies of books. Store your books in a cool, dry area. Avoid excessive handling. Mylar covers are recommended to protect wrappers.

APPRAISAL VS. AUTHENTICATION

We are pleased to offer appraisal services to our clients. There is a minimum, two-hour ($75.00 per hour) charge for this service with payment in advance. Our appraisal is based upon 40 years of experience in the acquisition and sale of historical documents and autographs. We have, at our disposal, a facsimile file of thousands of autographs as well as an international sourcing network of colleagues who specialize in all areas of autographs and memorabilia. Our appraisal includes review of extant records of auction and private sales, prevailing fair market value and trends forecasting, and such other factors as content, condition, and relative demand for the material.

Please note: Appraisal of autograph material is not authentication. We take the position that material presented for appraisal is authentic. If you desire authentication as well as appraisal, please read further.

AUTHENTICATION

There is a minimum, two-hour ($75.00 per hour) charge for this service and final cost depends entirely upon the complexity of the project. Most projects can be completed in one to two weeks with a detailed report. Over the past four decades we learned a thing or two about autographs, especially in the following areas: Vintage Hollywood, Black Americana, 20th Century Authors and Poets; Popes and Saints. Ron Weekes has written numerous articles on various aspects of autograph collecting and has been called upon by private collectors and institutions to provide authentication and appraisal service. We also have taken courses in graphoanalysis – the science or study of handwriting. In instances where there are serious reservations as to authenticity, we may refer an item to a third-party for forensic analysis. There is an additional charge for this service. We always first consult with the client before pursuing additional research or forensic testing of autograph material.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Few reputable autograph dealers will both appraise/authenticate material and purchase it. This is considered to be a professional conflict of interest. If you wish to sell your material we will be pleased to provide you with a confidential analysis. We cannot, however, appraise and/or authenticate your material and make you an offer to purchase your unwanted material. Thank you for your understanding.

THE MANUSCRIPT SOCIETY

The Manuscript Society, 350 No. Niagara Street, Burbank, CA 91505, offers a helpful guide: The Manuscript Society Criteria for Describing Manuscripts and Documents. You may obtain a copy by sending $1.50 to the Society. As a general rule, we list all relevant defects in any material we offer for sale, while our grading of material is conservative. We strive to offer the best quality material at the proper price point.

TERMS USED
Courtesy of The Manuscript Society

SIG Signature
ALS Autograph Letter Signed; entirely in the hand of the author
LS Letter Signed; signed by the author but written by another (i.e. a secretary or clerk)
TLS Typewritten Letter Signed
ANS Autograph Note Signed; same as ALS but more brief.
ADS Autograph Document Signed; (a will, a manuscript, a journal) but signed by the author
DS Document Signed (such as a check or court record)
AQS Autograph Quotation Signed; this could be poetry or a memorable statement; in the handwriting of the author. Many autograph albums of the mid 19th Century contained brief signed quotations
AES Autograph Endorsement Signed; endorsement in the author’s hand, usually on the verso or margin of another letter
AMuQS Autograph Musical Quotation Signed; this might be a few bars of music from the composer’s body of work, which he has signed and/or dated. These are highly desirable collectibles.
SP Signed Photograph
ISP Inscribed Signed Photograph; this is the same as above but includes a dedication or a few words of greeting in the hand of the author.

NY No year
ND No date
NP No place
PP Pages

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