Mark Hamill Fake Autographs

The Star Wars hoopla has hit the world in a huge way.  Record box office ticket sales, Star Wars merchandise everywhere you look, and a reminiscing for the 40+ year olds (Me) to the good old days of playing with our X-Wing fighters, Millenium Falcons and action figures of the late 70's and early 80's has taken hold of our culture.

With that, the evolution of the autograph industry over the past 40 years has offered opportunities for all movie fans to chase down their favorite actors to sign that random photo, movie poster, book or whatever we own.  The fact that our favorite stars are more available at comic con or pop culture events has made it easier to acquire such autographs.

However, one of the most coveted autographs (Harrison Ford is a close 2nd) from the Star Wars sagas is Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker).  Yes, Mark has made appearances around the world at these events, but they are extremely infrequent compared to say Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels and others from the original series.  When Mark does appear his lines are usually over 1000 people in length at anywhere from $100-$150 per autograph.

Recently Mark took to twitter and noted he was tired of his fans getting "duped" by fake Mark Hamill autographs. Click this link for the article. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mark-hamill-tired-star-wars-851178.  He invited fans to send photos of his autograph to his account and he would confirm it the signature was in fact real or not.

While I think this was a nice sentiment, I think there are other ways to fix the problem.  The issue is that because his signature is rarer than others, and that he rarely does make public appearances, there are unfortunately frauds in the world who forge autographs and take advantage of desperate fans.  And for those who don't know how to identify a real autographed item, and don't have access to Mark or a place he may appear, that customer is duped into buying a fake autographed item because they don't know what to ask, what to look for, or may fear they may never be able to acquire one in person

So I think Mark should make more public appearances.  I'm not saying saturate the market with his signature, but 2-3 appearances a year vs one every 2 years would be an improvement.  While some may say his price is a bit high, he is a pop culture star and his price is more than fair compared to other pop stars.

I think he should have a special hologram affixed to all items he signs.  While this isn't full proof, it does deter fakes from being sold and at least offers an example of a genuine autograph.

And if he identifies a fake to a fan, he should dig into where it came from and take corrective action against those sellers.

So for all you Mark Hamill collectors, May the Autographs be with you.

David Ortiz, 1980 US hockey Team, 1967 Red Sox, Pedro Martinez and more...........

This is one of my favorite weeks of the year.  Other than this being my birthday week, I look forward to attending the Greater Boston Sports Collector's Club Card and Memorabilia Show.  It's occurred the first weekend in November at the Shriner Auditorium in Wilmington Mass. for as long as I can remember.  This year's show is scheduled on Friday November 6 - Sunday November 8 and is featuring many members of the 1980 US Olympic gold winning hockey team, members of the 1967 Red Sox, 1975 Red Sox players Dwight Evans and Fred Lynn and baseball Hall of famers Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, Wade Boggs, Jim Rice, Carlton Fisk, Andrew Dawson and Jim Bunning, in addition to David Ortiz and many more.  I have not missed attending this show since I first attended in 2002.  I have found hundreds of deals on anything including memorabilia, photos, cards, supplies and autographs. There will be over 80 dealers in attendance, both from the region and nationally.


So here are some tips on how to make the most of one day or the weekend at the show.
1.  Walk the entire floor at least once before purchasing anything.  My experience is that you will find the same item in multiple locations.  The dealers are very competitive and will almost always come down in price to get the sale.
2.  Prepare to spend at least 2 hours browsing.  Be patient and ready to negotiate.
3.  Bring something to drink with you.  It is very dry in most facilities.
4.  Wear comfortable footwear.  The entire floor is concrete.
5.  If you are purchasing an autograph or game used piece of memorabilia make sure it is has authentication.  Ask the dealer where it came from and who authenticated it.  If the price is too good to be true, then don't purchase it. 
6.  Most dealers will come down in price on the last day of a show.  They honestly don't want to haul it back to their homes or businesses. 
7.  Have cash on hand.  Most dealers cannot accept credit cards and if they do, they might charge a service fee to pay for the connection at their table.
8.  Sign up for raffles and door prizes.  Almost every show has them and there are usually great prizes.
9.  If you are attending to meet players, be ready to wait in line, and in small spaces.  Also, if you have no idea what you want autographed the promoter's merchandise table will have the best items at reasonable prices.

This year's autograph guests include:
Newest Member to the 500 HR club, David Ortiz
Baseball Hall of Famers:  Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, Jim Bunning, Wade Boggs, Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, Andrew Dawson
1980 US Olympic Hockey Team:  Mike Eruzione, Jim Craig and more
1967 Red Sox:  Mike Andrews, Jim Lonborg, Reggie Smith, Gary Bell and more
Former Red Sox:  Brian Daubach, Phil Seibel, Scott Williamson, Dwight Evans, Fred Lynn

For more information on autograph guest information please visit www.sureshotpromotions.com

New England Patriot Dion Lewis Autograph signing

New England Patriot fans, this is the deal for you.  Come see and meet one of the hottest running backs in the NFL, not to mention one of the key figures in the Patriots 6-0 start.  Dion Lewis will be in Braintree Mass on Monday November 2, 2015.

The pricing for this event is outstanding.  You can get a regular size item (ie. mini helmet or 8x10 photo) autographed for only $20.  It is only $30 for premium items such as jerseys, footballs and full size helmets.  You cannot beat this price for a current NFL player of this stature. 

Since I started these posts in 2010, my big theme is to take advantage of these opportunities.  As the memorabilia industry keeps growing so will the price of athlete autographs.  You cannot beat this deal.

For more information please check the following websites.
www.newenglandpicture.com
www.sureshotpromotions.com



 

Baseball's 500 Home Run Club

With the recent addition of  David Ortiz to Major League Baseball's 500 Home Run club, I got thinking of some fascinating statistics regarding this rare group.  Yes it seems that since 1995, and the explosion of baseball home runs for all sorts of reasons, this newest members to the group may not be perceived as "legitimate", however an achievement is an achievement. So here is some interesting facts about this group.

When David Ortiz entered this exclusive club on September 12 he became member #27.  There have been over 16,500 professional players in the history of major league baseball.
Of the 27, 8 have passed (Ruth, Killebrew, Williams, Banks, Ott, Mathews, Foxx, Mantle)
Of the 27, 3 are still active (ARod, Ortiz, Pujols)
Of the 27, 5 are also in the 3000 hit club (ARod, Aaron, Mays, Murray, Palmeiro)
There are only 28 players in the 3000 hit club, 1 more than the 500 HR club.
Of the 27, 16 are in the Hall of Fame, those who are not include:  McGwire, Sosa, ARod, Thome, Sheffield, Pujols, Ortiz, Palmeiro, Ramirez, Griffey Jr., & Bonds.

As you know, if you've ever read my blog, you know I collect in themes.  This is a great themed group to collect.  Yes, finding a Ruth, Ott, Williams, Foxx or Mantle ball will be a challenge, unless you mortgage your house or win the lottery, but it is still worth collecting.  So keep an eye out for these living members and look for deals on the deceased guys like Killebrew, Mathews, and Banks.  They are attainable at more than fair prices.

My 500 HR club collection.

My personal favorites, of this group.

Superbowl 49 Hero, Malcolm Butler Autograph signing Information

Superbowl 49 hero Malcolm Butler is appearing on Tuesday September 29th at the New England Picture store in Manchester NH. at 7:00pm. 

Pricing for this signing is $79 for any item.  This price also includes the inscription "GW INT".  This is a great deal as inscriptions are usually an extra fee.  His price has stayed at the same since his game winning interception, which is why fans need to take advantage now.

I expect this signing to be packed and very busy.  I highly recommend you pre-purchase your tickets as this will most likely sell out.

For more information click on the link below.

www.newenglandpicture.com

Boston Red Sox Outfielder, Mookie Betts, Autograph Appearance

Red Sox fans, this is a great opportunity for you.  Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts is making a public autograph appearance on Thursday September 3 in Braintree Mass..  Do not miss out on meeting this upcoming exciting star.  He has been one of the few positives for the Red Sox in 2015.

As I've said in other posts, this is the best time to meet these young athletes. One because they are still new and fresh.  Two because they are accessible, and three because their autograph is inexpensive.  His price will only go up and already has, so take advantage of this now.

For more information you can check the following websites:
www.sureshotpromotions.com
www.newenglandpicture.com

Autograph Signings with New England Patriot Michael Hoomanawanui

As Patriot training camp is closer to starting, more and more players will be around to make some public appearances.  One of the first ones of this season is scheduled for July 27, in Braintree, Mass..

The price for an autograph is outstanding.  It is ONLY $20 for any item, premium or regular.  It is ONLY $10 for an inscription such as "SB 49 champs."  I am telling you this price is outstanding and is rarely this low for SB champion, especially in the northeast.

I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.  Whether you want him to sign a photo, football, helmet or team item, this is a great deal.

For more information click here: www.newenglandpicture.com