Collecting Documents and Photographs
Collecting autogrophs is not a new hobby or vocation by any means and it is hard to estimate how many people collect them.
Collecting signatures of WW II Axis and Allied personalities is not uncommon. However the number who collect only Third Reich signatures is relatively small. Autographed letters, books, photos, postcards and documents signed by political or military figures are in abundence and are quite inexpesive at this time.
Autographed letters and documents of historical significance generally run from $75. up depending on the contents, signer, the condition, whether it is on letterhead ect. A great variety of documents of lesser importance run anywhere from $8.00 up. Signed photos are of course less expensive than documents or letters. Signed photos of certain Generals and Admirals. and other officers can be had for approximately $15. and up.
Signed NSDAP and SS photos usually command higher prices. Signed Hitler photos are not terribly scarce particularly in New York City where they are not difficult to locate and at the present time they usually sell for $175. and up. Signed documents often sell for almost twice as much, depending again upon the contents.
One of the things the collector does not have to worry too much about is forged signatures, at least as for as the lesser known Reich Officials. One of the problems often encountered is signed photos with an undecipherable signature. Postcards usually have printed either on the front or back the name of the individual, whereas photos do not. The collar tabs and other insignia help greatly in determining the rank and branch, but unfortunately, can not tell you who the individual is. As is sometimes the case you may not be able to determine who the person is, but it, pays to hang onto the photo especially if it is a high ranking official, on the chance of perhaps identifying it in the future.
Many personalities of the Reich are still alive and sometimes will send out autagraphs, photos and perhaps a short letter if requested in a polite manner. The trick is to find out where they now live, and when you do be courteous and go to a translator if you can not write in German; it leaves a much better impression.
It is possible to tell many things by a sample of handwriting" though handwriting analysis is almost a science in itself. Himmlers pre-occupation with ancient runic letters can be seen in his signature, which with its straight lines is extremely similar to runes as written in the 9th century. Hitler's signatures are unusual because of the fact he used two different styles of signatures. The reason for signing his name in a different style later on, is not known.
Autographs are a sound investment, they steadily rise in value, year after year, and they never depreciate as stocks do, although it will take a good while for a autograph to double in value, but on the other hand there is little risk involved, which cannot be said for stocks, also in its favor is that its inexpesive, and takes up very little space. Those who are interested in autographs should endeavor to pick up a few samples, for they enhance any callection of 3rd Reich relics, particularly when framed.
Jay A. Robbins: "Autographs", "Military Collectors' News", 1972
Collecting signatures of WW II Axis and Allied personalities is not uncommon. However the number who collect only Third Reich signatures is relatively small. Autographed letters, books, photos, postcards and documents signed by political or military figures are in abundence and are quite inexpesive at this time.
Autographed letters and documents of historical significance generally run from $75. up depending on the contents, signer, the condition, whether it is on letterhead ect. A great variety of documents of lesser importance run anywhere from $8.00 up. Signed photos are of course less expensive than documents or letters. Signed photos of certain Generals and Admirals. and other officers can be had for approximately $15. and up.
Signed NSDAP and SS photos usually command higher prices. Signed Hitler photos are not terribly scarce particularly in New York City where they are not difficult to locate and at the present time they usually sell for $175. and up. Signed documents often sell for almost twice as much, depending again upon the contents.
One of the things the collector does not have to worry too much about is forged signatures, at least as for as the lesser known Reich Officials. One of the problems often encountered is signed photos with an undecipherable signature. Postcards usually have printed either on the front or back the name of the individual, whereas photos do not. The collar tabs and other insignia help greatly in determining the rank and branch, but unfortunately, can not tell you who the individual is. As is sometimes the case you may not be able to determine who the person is, but it, pays to hang onto the photo especially if it is a high ranking official, on the chance of perhaps identifying it in the future.
Many personalities of the Reich are still alive and sometimes will send out autagraphs, photos and perhaps a short letter if requested in a polite manner. The trick is to find out where they now live, and when you do be courteous and go to a translator if you can not write in German; it leaves a much better impression.
It is possible to tell many things by a sample of handwriting" though handwriting analysis is almost a science in itself. Himmlers pre-occupation with ancient runic letters can be seen in his signature, which with its straight lines is extremely similar to runes as written in the 9th century. Hitler's signatures are unusual because of the fact he used two different styles of signatures. The reason for signing his name in a different style later on, is not known.
Autographs are a sound investment, they steadily rise in value, year after year, and they never depreciate as stocks do, although it will take a good while for a autograph to double in value, but on the other hand there is little risk involved, which cannot be said for stocks, also in its favor is that its inexpesive, and takes up very little space. Those who are interested in autographs should endeavor to pick up a few samples, for they enhance any callection of 3rd Reich relics, particularly when framed.
Jay A. Robbins: "Autographs", "Military Collectors' News", 1972
posted by GMC at
10:31 AM
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