The word “autograph” refers to an individual’s signature but it is used nowadays in connection with the signatures of stars and well-known personalities. A large number of people derive immense pleasure from collecting autographs of their favorite stars and some of the widely admired stars whose autographs are in great demand belong to the realm of sports, the celluloid world, music, art and literature.

Autograph collecting is a fascinating pastime for many who take great pleasure in accumulating a sequence of historical papers, correspondence or items that have been autographed by a distinguished individual as a means of attaining a piece of history.

Some autograph collectors concentrate their activities on a particular field for example getting hold of papers signed by sports personalities, eminent singers, renowned musicians or actors and actresses of great repute.

Forged Autographs

Unfortunately, this unique and well liked past time is marred with papers, photographs and sports articles that are signed by unscrupulous counterfeiters who are only desirous of earning huge profits by selling either a counterfeit or duplicate item ostensibly autographed by the genuine celebrity to an unsuspecting purchaser. At times, it is only the signature that has been counterfeited, while in other instances the whole document containing the desired autograph of a concerned individual is deviously tampered with and forged, making them appear as real and is passed off as authentic. These are subsequently sold at a great price and the forgery is difficult to be detected by the naked eye.

Counterfeit or fake autographs of almost every illustrious personality whose autographs are in great demand are found in plenty. Distinguishing the fake from the real is nearly impossible for the collector, both amateurs and at times the experienced collectors as well.

Unfortunately there are numerous counterfeit autographs being put up for sale via several internet auction companies, second-hand book stores, and other markets dealing in used goods or antiques. The amateur collector must not be lured by the large number of popular autographs being made available without verifying its authenticity by experts if possible.

Counterfeiters take great pains to make their imitation look genuine. They make use of clear end papers of books from the past in which to make their forged autographs in their bid to “correspond” their autograph with papers of the period to which the famed personality belonged.

So you must always make enquiries and verify the antecedents of the person, website or organization from whom you are buying the autograph before purchasing. Insist on a note specifying the date and place the autograph was collected, and most genuine dealers will give this certificate once you purchase an autograph from them.