Signing Game Used Items

[dpmancuso]

Sorry if this has been asked before, I couldn't find it in the archives, but what are some thoughts on getting game used items signed? Do you think it negatively affects the value of the item, or do you think it makes it more desired?

[michaellechner]

In most cases, it neither adds value nor decreases. It's a matter of personal preference. Some like it signed, others don't. There are those who will not buy an item if it's signed but I would say most don't care either way.

I don't prefer my items signed, but if something is signed it won't prevent me from buying it.

My advice? Do what YOU like. Your collection isn't about anyone else's opinion, it's about what you like and prefer.

[Chess2899]

I like mine signed. I don't like added inscriptions unless it says "game used". I see no point on a signature plus inscriptions such as HOF or 755 homers in that shows that the autograph was added later for a 1967 game used bat.

I think like this. Do you want a Babe Ruth game used bat or do you want one signed by him also? I see more value in the signed one.

[KGoldin]

Some business advice on that...take it for what its worth
if you are dealing with a current player, or recently retired player, and have a game used item and it wont cost you a ton to get it signed, I believe people prefer it to be signed.

HOWEVER, if you are dealing with a much older player, (ie Hank Aaron) whose signature has changed and is not 'period correct' , I believe it is foolish to add an aging players signature to a vintage item from 40-50 years ago where the signature on the item is not period correct.
Ken

[chasetheyanks]

I agree with michaellechner. To me, it doesn't increase the value. I'm not a big fan of game used items being signed, unless they are also inscribed game used. However, I will not shy away from signed items (unless the autograph is poor).

[michaellechner]

I like mine signed. I don't like added inscriptions unless it says "game used". I see no point on a signature plus inscriptions such as HOF or 755 homers in that shows that the autograph was added later for a 1967 game used bat.

I think like this. Do you want a Babe Ruth game used bat or do you want one signed by him also? I see more value in the signed one.

While I see your point, Babe Ruth is an exception, and probably isn't the best example to use here.

Let's use a random average player. Does a Bartolo Colón signature on his game used jersey add value? Probably not.

Will it add interest if you're selling it? Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on what the buyer likes. It all comes down to personal preference.

Do you want him to sign it? Yes? Great! Get him to sign it and enjoy!

It's all pretty subjective. That's why I said earlier, collect what YOU like! :)

[thomaslynch]

I personally like my game used items signed. Now, I would say if it is a poor signature or if it is faded, then it can ruin the overall aesthetic of the item - especially a jersey. I guess my mentality is that I like autographs and I like game used items, so why not have both in 1 item?

[metsbats]

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=44515&highlight=signing+bats


here's one about bats

[salukidave]

To each their own, of course. Personally, I think a bat and helmet can look great signed. Batting gloves and often spikes, not so much. Jerseys can be hit or miss, especially over time. I really don't like getting jerseys signed. There's too much that can go wrong that can damage the eye appeal and value. Even if a jersey is signed perfectly, over time the ink can bleed and or fade.

Plus it's hard to trust athletes these days to sign an item well. And many of them have autographs that are just scribbles. Why have someone scribble on a nice game-used jersey?

[esigs]

To each their own, of course. Personally, I think a bat and helmet can look great signed. Batting gloves and often spikes, not so much. Jerseys can be hit or miss, especially over time. I really don't like getting jerseys signed. There's too much that can go wrong that can damage the eye appeal and value. Even if a jersey is signed perfectly, over time the ink can bleed and or fade.

Plus it's hard to trust athletes these days to sign an item well. And many of them have autographs that are just scribbles. Why have someone scribble on a nice game-used jersey?

+1

Getting equipment signed is generally something I would consider, but I'm not a fan of getting jerseys signed, for the reasons mentioned. However, if a jersey I've been looking for is signed, I won't pass on it just because it's signed, but if it's not signed on the number, it'll make me think harder about getting it. Some signatures do not add to the visual appeal of a jersey not only because of poor penmanship but also because it's harder to sign on fabric than a hard surface.

[SEAFAN76]

Some business advice on that...take it for what its worth
if you are dealing with a current player, or recently retired player, and have a game used item and it wont cost you a ton to get it signed, I believe people prefer it to be signed.

HOWEVER, if you are dealing with a much older player, (ie Hank Aaron) whose signature has changed and is not 'period correct' , I believe it is foolish to add an aging players signature to a vintage item from 40-50 years ago where the signature on the item is not period correct.
Ken

Agree 100%
I saw a "event worn" jersey of Russell Wilson from when he was drafted. It had some cert saying it came from Topps, and was worn for the card photo shoot.
Then it has his auto with "SB 48 Champion" on it......
Uh, he won that game more than 2 years after he wore that jersey.

And I've seen many 2001 AS balls signed by Ichiro, that were signed after his signature went south. Ichiro's sig changed dramatically after 2001, even 2002 stuff looks different.

[SEAFAN76]

I had the chance to get my Robert Turbin Seahawks jersey signed for FREE.
I actually turned it down.
Instead I found a football card that came certified OUT OF THE PACK signed.
And the photo on the card has him wearing said jersey.
My plan is to just include the card if I sell it, or if I frame it.

[michaellechner]

I had the chance to get my Robert Turbin Seahawks jersey signed for FREE.
I actually turned it down.
Instead I found a football card that came certified OUT OF THE PACK signed.
And the photo on the card has him wearing said jersey.
My plan is to just include the card if I sell it, or if I frame it.

I've done the same thing and prefer this method. Have a Freddie Freeman jersey and went to a signing of his. Rather than having him sign the jersey, I bought an 8x10 from photofile of him wearing the exact jersey and had him autograph the photo. Looks great.

[mbrieve]

Just a few thoughts:

1. You own the item, do what makes you happy.
2. I don't mind equipment signed (bats, balls, helmets), but jerseys rarely look good signed IMO--almost like intentionally adding a stain to a garment. Also, like others stated, I worry about fading, placement, quality of signature, etc.
3. I will never understand getting inscriptions that don't match the history of the item. For instance, a jersey from 1995 with career highlight stats from 1990. Or a late career jersey that includes ROY inscription. Just odd.

[HawaiiSportsNut]

I prefer not to have my game used items signed, especially jerseys. Instead I made 8X10's of all of my jerseys & I will have Kurt sign the photos with "Game Used" eventually.

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/2979/N893Tz.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img908/2935/rn6NCn.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/4176/OYxdXc.jpg

[HawaiiSportsNut]

Here's one that I had signed by Dane Sardinha a few years ago. I forgot to tell him to add "Game Used"

http://imageshack.com/a/img905/9051/BZieNn.jpg

[dpmancuso]

Hawaii Sports Nut, that is a fantastic idea, and I love the look of it. How did you creat those and/or what program did you use. Very clever!

[HawaiiSportsNut]

Hawaii Sports Nut, that is a fantastic idea, and I love the look of it. How did you create those and/or what program did you use. Very clever!

I used Corel Paint Shop Pro X2. You can use other photo editing programs as well. I am just a self taught graphic artist, anyone with moderate skills can do it as well or even better. It's just a matter of working at it a lot. I still have lots to learn at this point.

With Paint Shop Pro, everything is done in raster or vector layers. It takes a lot of time to do the editing but the end can be very rewarding.

[dpmancuso]

Just had Jake Arrieta sign and inscribe my game used jersey of his. Looks fantastic!

[helmets]

I collect game used football helmets. I prefer them unsigned. I own quite a few that are signed, however I have never had one signed. Many of them I purchased with autographs. Guys trade helmets following the ProBowl and then scribble all over them for each other. Many of the autographs are faded, smudged, worn off, etc. In my opinion nothing looks worse than a game used helmet - especially one from the 60's, 70's, or 80's that survived until now - a piece of art and history - scribbled all over with an autograph. Riddell and Schutt offer collectible helmets to get signed, so if I am going to have something signed I will customize a helmet to represent what the player wore.

I like to display my helmets - out in the light, and all autographs will fade over time. They look nasty...IMO.

[BirdsOnBat]

I collect game used football helmets. I prefer them unsigned. I own quite a few that are signed, however I have never had one signed. Many of them I purchased with autographs. Guys trade helmets following the ProBowl and then scribble all over them for each other. Many of the autographs are faded, smudged, worn off, etc. In my opinion nothing looks worse than a game used helmet - especially one from the 60's, 70's, or 80's that survived until now - a piece of art and history - scribbled all over with an autograph. Riddell and Schutt offer collectible helmets to get signed, so if I am going to have something signed I will customize a helmet to represent what the player wore.

I like to display my helmets - out in the light, and all autographs will fade over time. They look nasty...IMO.

I tend to agree. I don't really get the (somewhat) more recent trend of a chapter of War & Peace being written on every bat and jersey detailing all the particulars. That's what LOA's, MLB authentication program, etc are for. On some bats I can hardly see the bat.

[BirdsOnBat]

That being said, everyone is different and that person that owns the item has the right to do whatever they like to it. I've always been more of a traditionalist in that I would prefer a game worn/used item to be as close as possible to how it was used on the field.

[twarman17]

Just had Jake Arrieta sign and inscribe my game used jersey of his. Looks fantastic!

That looks great!

[Buccaneer Madden]

I only have a couple game used items so far but I don't want them signed. I have passed on a few items (nothing super great) because they were signed. For some reason I just think it spoils the item.

[spartanservitto]

I love when they are signed and inscribed- especially if it's documenting a home run or event. These are my Victor items - came out very cool