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Author
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Topic: Astronaut signed book sales: How to tell if legit?
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sprocketship
Member Posts: 72
From:
Registered: Feb 2014
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posted 05-03-2014 02:26 PM
  
I have seen a number of books available online that have been signed by their astronaut authors.Is there anyway to know that actually buying a legitimate autograph? Even if they have a photo of the astronaut signing the book, it doesn't mean that is the actual book I'm buying. So, how do I know? My wife recently bought me a copy of Gene Cernan's book that I am going to send to him. But she even said, "You know, I could just have easily signed his name on the first page and you'd have never known the difference." I'd appreciate any insight you guys might have. Thanks! |
moonnut
Member Posts: 248
From: Andover, MN
Registered: Apr 2013
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posted 05-03-2014 03:21 PM
Research, research, research. Get to know the signatures. My belief is that signed books are a lot easier to come by. Many of the astronauts do a lot of book signings and a lot of times for free. So there are many, many signed books. Also, forgers I think would want the most bang for their buck and forging signed books isn't it. Signed lithos and photos are more valuable. Not to say there aren't any, cause we all know that there are, but if you do enough research you will be able to know what to look for. Or you can have Steve Zarelli authenticate it for you. He comes highly recommended. Hope this helps. |
ea757grrl
Member Posts: 729
From: South Carolina
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 05-03-2014 04:26 PM
Whenever possible, if there's an item I especially want, I go through one of the dealers we all know and love from their presence here on collectSPACE - dealers like Farthest Reaches, Boggs Spacebooks, Novaspace and similar. They know the field and sometimes they offer books from their own signings, and I'm always comfortable with any deal with them. The astronauts who offer direct sales, like Walt Cunningham, also make me happy.As for anything on the secondhand market that doesn't come from a specialist dealer... well, as has previously been stated, research is everything and evidence/provenance (which, admittedly, itself could be doctored) helps. That's especially true if an item commands a premium and/or is particularly rare. If I come across something at a shop for $10 or so, I'll roll the dice, but most anything beyond that I'll want a second opinion. |
Teacher in space
Member Posts: 71
From:
Registered: Sep 2013
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posted 05-12-2014 03:15 PM
There seem to be lots of Painting Apollo books that are supposed to have Alan Bean signature. Could these be real? |
jtheoret
Member Posts: 344
From: Albuquerque, NM USA
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 05-12-2014 05:21 PM
The Bean looks good to me - he has signed many. |
MarylandSpace
Member Posts: 1336
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 05-12-2014 09:07 PM
That is exactly how Alan Bean signed at NASM booksigning several years ago. |
idrvball
Member Posts: 150
From: Burke, VA USA
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 05-14-2014 10:45 PM
Yes, that Alan Bean signature is 100% legitimate. I have two of those books I bought at NASM gift shop. I think I bought these a few years ago, possibly when his artwork was being displayed, or maybe afterward. |
xlsteve
Member Posts: 391
From: Holbrook MA, USA
Registered: Jul 2008
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posted 05-15-2014 10:11 AM
I was at the Alan Bean signing at NASM when the exhibition opened, and the book he signed for me in person looks just like that.
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