A Few Recent Additions at Strickler's Celebrity Autographs

Godsmack Autograph
Ed Sullivan Autograph
Queer As Folk Autograph
Avril Lavigne Autograph
Madeline Kahn Autograph
Jackie Gleason Autograph

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40% OFF "SPECIALS" Autograph Sale

Use coupon code sp2007 with your order and receive an additional 40% off on items already reduced in price!

Hurry! All items are one-of-a-kind.

40% OFF "SPECIALS" Category Autographs

40% Off Autographs Sale

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Hot Stars of Hollywood and Music Entertainment

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Angelina Jolie Autograph
Rascal Flatts Autograph
Scarlett Johansson Autograph
Johnny Depp Autograph
Pearl Jam Autograph
Amy Lee Autograph

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Stars Signing Autographs

Angelina Jolie signs at the "Oceans 13" premiere


George Clooney signs at the "Ocean's 13" premiere


Brad Pitt signs at the "Ocean's 13" premiere


Kate Beckinsdale signs at "Live Free or Die Hard" premiere

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What's New at Strickler's Celebrity Autographs?

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Aaliyah Autograph
Anna Nicole Smith Autograph
Evanescence Autograph
Queer As Folk Autograph
George Strait Autograph
Carrie Underwood Autograph
Keith Urban Autograph
Luther Vandross Autograph
Van Halen Autograph

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A Collector's Anecdote

My name is Michael Ragsdale and I have been a collector of
in-person, event-specific, group and individual autographs in New
York City for several years - most often secured on official
programs and other handouts while present at a wide variety of
public and private occasions. I started doing this "for fun" in
February 1997 with the autograph of actor Barry Bostwick at a book
talk at the Morris-Jumel Mansion, but became much more serious
about it beginning September 11, 2001.

The following describes a recent success story - my recollection of
how I captured several signatures while at a New York Republican
State Committee dinner held the evening of May 17th at the Sheraton
New York.

Once again an annual event, this NYRSC meeting featured the singing
of the national anthem by America's beloved tenor, Daniel Rodriguez
and speeches by New York State Senator Joe Bruno, conservative Bill
Bennett, presidential candidates John McCain and Rudy Giuliani, and
others.

With a copy of the lone event handout in hand, a letter from
Committee Chairman Joseph Mondello thanking everyone for their
financial support, I scoured both the pre-event reception and huge
dinner crowd hoping to gain the signatures of some of New York's
GOP powerful and/or their invited guests.

My first acquisition was of Dr. Frank Luntz, who was recently named
the "hottest pollster in America" by the Boston Globe. Also
described as a language and public opinion guru in his new book,
"Words That Work: It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear",
Luntz is sought by CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, world leaders and
political candidates for his expertise - including "America's
Mayor", Rudy Giuliani. Luntz was easy to spot because he drew a
great deal of attention at the reception, and was not wearing a
suit and tie.

Next, I got Bill Bennett, who served as President Reagan's chairman
of the National Endowment for the Humanities from 1981-1985, later
the Secretary of Education, and then as President Bush's "drug czar"
from 1989-1990. Presently he is a senior adviser at the Claremont
Institute's Americans For Victory Over Terrorism project.
Accompanied by one of his sons, Bennett signed after I reminded him
we had worked together at Columbia University's Miller Theater on
February 12, 2003 when he was touting President Bush's U.S.
invasion of Iraq. He said he remembered that night and how the
location venue had to be changed in order to accommodate the
larger-then-expected young conservative audience.

A few minutes later I got the signature of Senator Bruno who
appeared surprised someone was asking for his autograph. But after
signing, he thanked me and patted me on a shoulder.

My next acquisition came sort of unexpectedly, and quickly, and in
the following manner:

Around a half hour later and few minutes prior to the start of the
dinner and speeches, I stood near the podium looking over the huge
ballroom crowd. I was a little frustrated because I couldn't find
an attendee I had spotted earlier - radio personality and Guardian
Angels founder, Curtis Sliwa. Suddenly, to the right of me, amidst
a mob of photographers, camera flashes, aides and security, I saw
Rudy Giuliani heading directly toward me.

So what did I do? I immediately put away the flyer I was gaining
signatures on; placed it carefully into a folder I was carrying; and
pulled out a colorful Alexander Hamilton Award program I had been
saving for this exact opportunity.

On April 26, 2006, author Tom Wolfe and Rudy Giuliani were honored
by the Manhattan Institute for their "helping to foster the
revitalization of our nation’s cities" at the fifth Alexander
Hamilton Award Dinner, a prestigious black tie fundraiser. I
brought it with me that evening just in case I got to speak with
the former embattled-turned-hero New York City mayor.

With program and a marker in hand I took a few steps toward Giuliani
and asked if I could have his autograph. Then, in the matter of
seconds, and with camera flashes continuing, he said "of
course I will" and stopped; took it from me and placed it on a
folder he was carrying; I then asked if he remembered it from a
year ago; he said "of course I do"; an aide to Giuliani stepped in
and held three markers for him to choose from; he grabbed one and
signed my program; I said "thank you"; and then Giuliani and the
mob, amidst more camera flashes continued past me in the direction
of the head dinner table.

I stood there for awhile, somewhat stunned at what had just taken
place, I suppose, because it happened so quickly. Also so my eyes
would recover from the barrage of flashes. Finally I became very
pleased at what had just occurred.

So, somewhere in the huge digital photo/commercial media world
there are pictures of me with Rudy Giuliani documenting this
autograph signing moment. If you ever come across any of them, let
me know.

A few minutes later, on the event handout, I got the autograph of
another speaker, Monsigner Jim Lisante, author, regular opinion
contributor to Fox News Channel and ABC Eyewitness News, and the
pastor of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish in West Hempstead, NY.

And long after the meeting was over I did finally catch up to Curtis
Sliwa and get his signature, while talking with him in the Sheraton
parking garage as we waited for the arrival of our vehicles. But I
didn't get Senator McCain's. I didn't even get close to him.

Michael Ragsdale
New York City Autograph Collector

Editor: Michael...thanks for the anecdote. We welcome comment from all collectors.

New York City Autograph Collector

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Why Collect Autographs?

Autographs have been called “frozen moments in time.” Autograph collectors are curators of history. The most personal item that one person can give is his or her signature. Anything that can be signed can be considered collectible…letters, documents, photographs, books, memorabilia, etc. Few objects give a collector the opportunity to own a unique or one-of-a-kind item that is actually part of someone who is known by millions of people. That is the main reason why autograph collecting has become one of the fastest growing hobbies in recent years.

Why Collect Autographs?

Determining the Value of Autographs

Several factors go into determining the price of an autographed item. The content of the photo (is this person known for his/her role shown in photo) and how difficult it is to obtain the autograph. Condition and market are also factors considered in pricing. Demand also has to be considered, especially if the celebrity has become more popular and the demand has increased suddenly. Examples recently include celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Hilary Duff, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom and Bruce Springsteen. Each has either had a very successful film, tour or CD. Here is a breakdown for determining value. 1) Who has signed the autograph? The key words here are "demand" and "scarcity." If a particular person's autograph is in high demand and it happens to be a scarce autograph, then you can expect it to have good value. This is why an autograph of Marilyn Monroe sells for over several thousands of dollars. She remains popular and her signature is in great demand. Her autographs are scarce when compared to those of entertainers George Burns, Jimmy Stewart or Joan Crawford, all of whom were around many decades longer to sign autographs for fans. 2) What item has been signed? A simple signature on an album page, menu, airline ticket or piece of paper is normally worth less than a signed document, signed photo, typed or handwritten letter. This is because it is the most common type of autograph. All things being equal, a handwritten signed letter demands a premium since not only does it have a name signed at the end but may also reveal something interesting, historical, or personal about the writer. Thus, you're getting more than just a name signed on paper. 3) Is the signature in ink, pencil or otherwise? Ink is worth more than pencil. Pencil can fade over time and usually isn't as dark and bold as a nice ink signature. Many collectors prefer and will pay more for ink signatures. But don't take this to mean pencil signatures don't have value. The great Apache Indian chief Geronimo signed pencil autographs at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. Today those pencil signatures on small cards can sell for at least $5,000. Today, most collectors prefer that photos and non-flat items be signed in sharpie or paint pen. 4) What is the condition of the autograph? Any damage to the autograph, photo or paper will lower value. Smears, stains, creases, smudges, fading, tears, holes or other damage will always drop the value of an autograph. To get top dollar and maximum value autographs must be in excellent condition. There are several other small variables that can come into play when attempting to place a value on an autograph, but these four important questions are regarded as the most basic factors that determine an autograph's value.

Augtograph Values

Autograph Purchasing

Buy autographs that capture your interest. Don’t purchase items presented as “investments” or sold through pressure. Learn as much as possible the language of autograph collecting. The more you study, the easier it will be for you to determine what items are authentic and which items to purchase. Use common sense when buying a signed piece. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase autographed items from reputable dealers, who will help you avoid risks and problems. Most dealers offer a certificate of authenticity, which is only as good as the reputation of the dealer. If the dealer cannot tell you when and where the item was signed or how it was obtained, go elsewhere.

Autograph Purchasing

Contacting a Celebrity for an Autograph

When writing a letter to a celebrity, it is advisable to write no more than one page. Although celebrities may be thrilled that you appreciate their work, or liked their acting in a certain TV show or movie, they simply do not have enough time to read multi-page letters from fans. Also, when writing to a celebrity, try to include some specific references to their work that you particularly enjoy. Be very specific in your descriptions. Mention character names that they have played and movies in which they have starred or appeared. This makes a much better impression than just simply saying... "I enjoy all your movies. Send me an autograph". Be courteous and respectful. My experience has been that celebrities are truly impressed with kind treatment from their fans and they usually reward it.

Contacting Celebrity For Autograph