Important Historical Autograph Terminology | The Raab Collection (2024)

Important Historical Autograph Terminology

Autographs come in six basic formats: letters, manuscripts, documents, signed photographs, signed books and signatures. The first three are of greatest significance in our search for quality, and we will concentrate on them. We will begin with some practical definitions. These are not meant to be dictionary definitions, but to explain how the words are commonly used in an autograph context.

Letters are communications between people, whether handwritten or typed. They will usually address someone by name, such as “Dear Mrs. Jones.” Letters have been called “frozen moments of history,” and indeed they are, as they impart information about life at the time they were written. If a letter is entirely in the hand of the person who signed it, it is referred to as an Autograph Letter Signed, sometimes abbreviated to ALS. If the letter is signed but the body of the letter is in a different (usually secretarial or clerical) hand, it is referred to as a Letter Signed, or LS. In the past hundred years or so, the most common letters are typed and signed; these then are TLS’s.

Manuscripts are descriptive narratives or other original handwritten or typed materials not intended as inter-personal communications. Musical compositions, lecture notes and diaries would be good examples.

Documents (DS’s) are signed forms, contracts or official papers, such as agreements between parties, property deeds, receipts, bank checks, free franks, or appointments to government service. We will also deal here to a lesser extent with two of the other formats, signed photographs and signed books.

Signatures are usually outside of our sphere, as even if expensive, they lack quality.

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Important Historical Autograph Terminology | The Raab Collection (2024)

FAQs

Is the Raab collection legit? ›

The Raab Collection has handled many of the notable historical documents to reach the market in the past three decades. We are respected for our integrity, fairness, and prompt payment. If you have autographs for sale, whether single items, small groups, full collections or archives, please contact us.

What is an autograph collector called? ›

The first known use of the term autograph hound occurs in a 1933 pulp magazine, Black Mask, where it denotes a collector with an especially voluminous portfolio.

How to authenticate famous signatures? ›

Step No.
  1. Apply the Burden of Proof. ...
  2. Ascertain the Provenance. ...
  3. Check Consistency with Authentic Examples. ...
  4. Make Sure the Paper, Pen and Ink Are Right. ...
  5. Assess Dissimilarities and Idiosyncracies in the Writing. ...
  6. Do a Forgery-Avoidence Inspection. ...
  7. Check for Autopens and Computer-Generated Signatures.

What is the oldest known autograph? ›

History. What might be considered the oldest "autograph" is a Sumerian clay table from about 3100 BC which includes the name of the scribe Gar. Ama. No ancient written autographs have been found, and the earliest one known for a major historical figure is that of El Cid from 1098.

Who is Steven Raab? ›

Steven Raab is Chairman of the Board of The InSource Group, a Dallas-based company that provides a full range of information technology (IT) resources including technical staff on a contract, contract-to-hire and full-time basis, and IT project solutions and outsourcing services.

How do you value an autograph collection? ›

The value of an autograph depends primarily on the person, but also what was signed, the condition, the availability, and trends that affect supply and demand.

What is a copy of a autograph called? ›

Facsimiles are useful to check authenticity, but sometimes confuse novice collectors or dealers into thinking they own an original. Fair Copy – An autograph copy, generally of a manuscript, and often prepared as a gift.

Who is the most trusted autograph authentication? ›

PSA is the largest and most trusted autograph authentication service in the world. With over 35 million collectibles certified, PSA authenticates a vast array of signatures, ranging from sports to history and entertainment.

Is there an app that can decipher autographs? ›

The answer is yes! Autograph ID is a mobile app available for both Android and iOS. It uses a combination of advanced machine learning algorithms and human expertise to accurately identify autographs. It can recognize signatures from over 500 celebrities with a 95% accuracy rate.

What is the best coa for celebrity autographs? ›

In conclusion, there are several great autograph authentication companies to choose from. PSA/DNA, JSA, Beckett Authentication Services, and SGC Authentic are all highly respected and have a reputation for providing accurate and reliable authentication services.

What is a ghost autograph? ›

You would write your name down the middle of the page, then fold it over to form a kind of smeared mirror image. The rest comes from your imagination. Found at an estate sale of a woman from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The first image was made in 1922, and the last one in 1957.

Whose signature is the rarest? ›

The Most Valuable Signatures
  • 1946 Lincoln University Albert Einstein Signed Photo. ...
  • Abraham Lincoln's Signed Copies of the Emancipation Proclamation. ...
  • Button Gwinnett's Signature on the Declaration of Independence. ...
  • James Joyce's Signed First Edition of “Ulysses” ...
  • Jimmy Page's Signed Guitar.
Jan 4, 2023

What is the root word for autograph? ›

autograph (n.)

"a person's signature," 1791, from French autographe, from Late Latin autographum, from Greek autographon, neuter of autographos "written with one's own hand," from autos "self" (see auto-) + graphein "to write" (originally "to scratch;" see -graphy).

Who collects autographs? ›

Those who collect autographs are known as philographers, and they engage in one of the modern world's oldest forms of collection.

What is the hobby of collecting autographs? ›

Just as hobby of collecting Stamps is called Philately, collecting of coins is called Numismatics, collecting match-labels is called Phillumeny, the hobby of collecting autographs is known as Philography which means love of writing.

What is an autograph dealer? ›

Many people who stand outside premieres asking for autographs are actually professional autograph traders, who make their living or supplement their income by selling them for full profit, rather than keeping them as a personal souvenir.

What is a collector of things called? ›

A person who collects objects is called a "collector" or a "hobbyist." He may also be called a "compiler" or an "accumulator." The slang terms "pack rat" and "hoarder" might be more appropriate for people who collect everyday objects though these terms carry negative connotations.

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