There are millions of autograph collectors worldwide, particularly from the USA and the Far East. Investing in autographs is not a new idea. In fact, it has already proved to be just as profitable as other mainstream investment avenues such as stocks and oil.

The Fraser’s 100 Autograph Index, created in 2004, gives investors an indication of the most profitable names to invest in and shows an increase of almost 290% in the 12 year period from 1997 - a average compound increase of 12% per annum.

Please note, to keep your investment secure we also offer free storage and insurance with all portfolio purchases for the duration of the investment.

To discuss any portfolios further or if you would like purchase individual items, please call us on +44 (0)20 7557 4430 or email investment@stanleygibbons.co.uk.

If you would like to see our complete range of autographs, manuscripts and memorabilia from King Henry VIII to current day, please visit www.frasersautographs.com.

American Greats

 

Celebrating the best of America with a truly remarkable and eclectic collection of items from some real American greats. Here is what we believe to be the ultimate investment collection of American icons, from stars of the silver screen to pioneers whose influence is still being felt today.

 

TRUMAN , HARRY S. - WWII VICTORY PROCLAMATION BROADSIDE -- Military

Printed in colour impressive World War II victory proclamation broadside document on a 10.5x21.5 in. leaf of heavy-stock presentation paper, dated 8th May, 1945. The document is announcing the Allied Victory over Europe and setting aside 13th May, 1945 as a Day of Prayer. In particularly eloquent language worthy of this momentous occasion, the document reads in part: "The Allied Armies, through sacrifice and devotion and with God's help have wrung from Germany a Final and Unconditional Surrender. The Western world has been freed of the evil forces which for five years and longer have imprisoned the bodies and broken their lives of millions upon millions of free-born men. They have violated their churches, destroyed their homes, corrupted their children, and murdered their loved ones. Our Armies of Liberation have restored to these suffering peoples, whose spirit and will the oppressors could never enslave (...)" Signed boldly at the lower right 'Harry S. Truman'. This magnificent signed document is only the first such signed Victory Proclamation we have ever offered for sale and is in near pristine condition with only a few virtually unnoticeable surface creases along the upper and lower edges. Professionally mounted, framed and glazed with UV glass.

£18,000.00

LINCOLN, ABRAHAM -- Politics

A war-dated document, measuring 13.75x17 inches, one page, dated 10th March 1863. President Lincoln appoints Charles E. Hiester "Commissary of Subsistence of Volunteers, with the rank of Captain". Signed at the conclusion in black ink 'Abraham Lincoln' and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Item in very good condition, with some light skipping of ink to a couple of letters of signature and previous storage folds. Very collectable presidential signature, as Lincoln's autographs are very rare.

£15,000.00

WASHINGTON, GEORGE -- Politics

Free Frank ("Free Go: Washington"), 1 p, 16mo envelope, [but Revolutionary War], with autograph address ("Col. Clemt Biddle / Philadelphia"), light creasing and toning, signature bold. Clement Biddle [1740-1814] was Commissary General at Valley Forge under Washington.

£11,250.00

RUTH, GEORGE 'BABE' -- Sport

Fabulous vintage matte-finish 9.25 x 7 photo of Ruth seated at a table with the All America Board of Baseball, signed and inscribed in fountain pen to Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph sportswriter Harry Keck, 'Regards to my fellow Board Member Harry Keck, Dec 17 - 1933, Babe Ruth.' During the late 1920s, promotional whiz Christy Walsh, who was also Babe Ruth’s agent, came up with the idea of creating the All America Board of Baseball. The idea was for the board to formally recognize and honor the greatest players of the game at each position each year. Walsh appointed Babe Ruth as Chairman of the Board and each year it took great pride in selecting an All America Baseball Team from the ranks of the Major Leagues. The selection of the All America Baseball Team was made by Ruth and a panel of ten sportswriters (one sportswriter from each Major League city), with recipients receiving an extremely impressive certificate signed by Ruth and the panel of sportswriters. In fine condition, with just a bit of trivial contrast to last name of signature.

£4,950.00

MONROE, MARILYN -- Film, TV & Theatre

Fantastic Marilyn Monroe Bank check, 8.25 x 3, filled out in type and signed by Monroe, payable to Hedda Rosten for $65.85, September 1, 1961. Rosten was Marilyn’s companion and secretary during the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl, though she was reportedly forced off the set after clashing with Marilyn’s director and co-star, Laurence Olivier. Autumn 1961 would prove to be one of the most fateful periods in Marilyn’s life. In October, she met Bobby Kennedy at a dinner hosted by Peter Lawford and on November 19, she met JFK. Vertical fold, usual punch cancellations, and small, faint stain to bottom edge, all well away from the bold, dark signature, otherwise fine, clean condition.

£4,950.00

AMERICAN PRESIDENTS -- Politics

Colour satin-finish 11.25 x 9.25 photo of Presidents Nixon through Reagan sharing laughs and drinks in the Oval Office, signed in black felt tip in the blank lower border by Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan, and in blue felt tip by Richard Nixon. A few small marginal bends (including a paperclip mark to top border) and surface marks, otherwise fine condition. Excellent collector's item. Beautifully mounted and framed.

£3,000.00

SPRINGSTEEN, BRUCE & E STREET BAND -- Music

Signed copy of 'Glory Days - Bruce Springsteen in the 1980's' by Springsteen himself and The E Street Band. The signatures of Bruce Springsteen, Max Weinberg, Clarence Clemons, Little Steven, Roy Bittan, Gaqry Tallent, Nils Lofgren, Patti Scialfa and Daniel Federici appear on the title page within the book and Barbara Carr (Co manager) appears on the next page. A wonderful item in great condition.

£2,250.00

HOLLY, BUDDY -- Music

A fantastic hand written document by Buddy Holly. One of the earliest and biggest of the rock n roll stars, Holly died tragically in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, en route to a concert. A full page of Buddy Holly’s unsigned handwritten homework, in pencil, on a lined 8 x 10.5 sheet of loose-leaf paper. Holly has written 'Answers to Chapter VI' at the top and answers to what appears to be early American history questions, divided into six answers, with over 40 words written in Holly’s hands. Sold with a Photo of Buddy Holly and his band mates. In fine condition. Beautifully mounted and framed.

£1,950.00

WRIGHT, ORVILLE -- Space & Aviation

Bank cheque, 8.25 x 3.25, filled out in another hand and boldly signed by Wright, payable to The Dayton Builders Supply Co. for $4.31, May 7, 1917. Two vertical folds, one through a single letter of first name of signature, staple hole to left side, and cancellation holes to body, a couple touching first letter of signature, otherwise fine condition.

£1,950.00

WOODS, TIGER -- Sport

A baseball cap signed by T. Woods in felt tip on the bill. Accompanied by the letter of authenticity.

£1,750.00