You can get all sorts of signed memorabilia these days. You can collect from the world of sport, film, TV, politics or music; depending on what you are interested in. You can collect anything from public photos and scripts to sports equipment, and as soon as you get an autograph on the item is makes anything immediately more valuable. Collecting signed memorabilia is a great hobby and, if you build up a good collection it can potentially be a really good investment!
When going about starting a signed memorabilia collection, you first need to choose a theme. Maybe you are interested in a certain sport or team, genre of film or you have a favorite celebrity; whatever you decide you do need to choose something that you are interested in as this will help you to build a good collection.
Once you have decided on a theme, you then need to do some research into the sort of signed memorabilia you are going to be collecting. The best resource to use is the internet. There are plenty of reputable websites out there where you can find some great authentic memorabilia and autographs, all at competitive prices. eBay is also a great resource but you do need to be careful that the memorandum is authentic and sensibly priced. If the price looks too good to be true it usually is!
Shop around to get a feel of how much certain items of signed memorabilia should cost to ensure that you are not ripped off by a seller. There are also quite a few price guides out there that can be used as reference, so make sure you look around and educate yourself.
Although the internet is a great and convenient source of authentic memorabilia, you can also search for items at house sales, memorabilia stores, conventions and shows. Once you start looking you will realize that memorabilia is literally everywhere and you can find some real bargains! Try not to restrict your collection to one type of memorabilia as this can really limit the value of your collection. For example, if you are collecting memorabilia related to a sport try and collect sports equipment, uniforms, collector cards, team photos, scripts, books and programs. Always be sure to authenticate purchases through reputable authentication services.
If you have collected items of memorabilia but willingly want it to be signed in order to add value to it, then it is a good idea to approach celebrities at charity events, book signings, auction, speaking engagements and game practices. If they have time they should hopefully sign your memorabilia and you might even get to take a photograph of them to add to your collection!
If you do not have the opportunity to attend such events then you can contact the celebrity directly and send a request for an autograph. You can send a personal note with a self-addressed return envelope to their publicist or manager and hopefully receive a signature. However, there is no guarantee that you will receive a reply so be careful not to send anything to valuable.
Once you have built up a good collection of signed memorabilia then you need to display and store your items with care. You can frame photographs and store autographed cards in plastic sleeves to protect them from moisture. Other bulkier items can be kept in air-tight plastic boxes or glass cases and kept away from moisture, sun and extreme temperatures.