Posts: 361
From: Milford, CT
Registered: Dec 2014

posted 03-02-2016 07:09 PM               

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I know this is a purely subjective topic but what is a reasonable price to pay for an uninscribed WSS photo signed by Neil Armstrong?

I'm thinking of pulling the trigger and going for my long-time item of desire (space collectible-wise, of course). I'm seeing prices from about $1000 to over $6000.

I know there are a ton of variables, but I would only buy one with unquestioned provenance from someone I would use due diligence to check into. Is there a price range that would be considered "reasonable" by knowledgeable collectors?

Posts: 248
From: Andover, MN
Registered: Apr 2013

posted 03-02-2016 08:23 PM               

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Well, I've seen inscribed lithos go around $800 to $1200 and uninscribed from $2500 to $4000. The bolder the signature, the more of a premium. The condition of the litho will play into the price also.

The blue felt tip he seemed to like to use also tends to fade away. I personally don't display mine because of that. It is nice and bold so I want it to stay that way. It's locked in a nice dark fire safe. I may actually scan it and frame a nice copy, so I can still look at it.

Prepare to spend around $3000.

I'm sure other people on here will give you more advice. I can say, no matter what, have Steve Zarelli look at it before you buy. Don't get burned.

Posts: 176
From: New York, NY
Registered: Mar 2009

Posts: 2343
From:
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 03-02-2016 10:42 PM            

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Very common in the industry, an unpersonalized signature means anyone can own it and seem more personal to them. If your name is Paul, it would be less of a personable item if it was signed to Veronica.

Many people who sign things use this reasoning and prefer or demand it be personalized, so as to lower the potential value of the item. (Though if I had millions or a billion I would gladly sign my arm off daily, a very enigmatic psychosis of certain celebrities.)

Thusly, a personalized signature is "valued" less than an unpersonalized one. Though for authentication purposes it makes it easier to prove as more letters can be studied, which most of the public would never normally see, to try and forge.

Posts: 1306
From: Staten Island, NY
Registered: Jun 2007

Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005

posted 03-09-2016 07:26 PM               

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quote:

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Originally posted by Lou Chinal:
Remember when buying, Mr. Armstrong didn't write over the American flag.

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This is generally true, but there are genuine examples out where his signature (or inscription) would touch the edges of the flag. It appeared he generally avoided the flag because if offered poor contrast for his signature. He didn't necessarily avoid it for patriotic reasons.

Also, the flag test typically applies to a very specific type of forgery, commonly known as "Peachstate" forgeries (named for the dealer they originated from). There are numerous other forgery styles out there that "pass" the flag test, but fail in other regards, so caution is always advised.