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Topic: apollo 1 autograph value?
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sleepman57
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posted 07-05-2002 02:32 PM
   
I wanted feedback from fellow collectors as to what they think the present value of an autograph of the Apollo 1 crew would fetch and if thry feel it is a good investment with growth potential ! |
Werb
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posted 07-05-2002 02:41 PM
I would have to say that an authentic Apollo 1 Crew signed photo would be a good investment, and have quite a bit of growth potential. As for a price? I'll leave that to someone more interested in the price of things as I am not in this hobby for investment.From the Last Frontier......... Mike
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-05-2002 03:13 PM
The price would depend on several factors, including the medium on which the autographs appeared and the market in which the autographs were sold.Generally speaking, if the autographs were on a NASA litho (crew or otherwise), displayed good contrast and were not damaged, I would estimate between $6000 and $9000. I realize that's a pretty big margin, but we're not talking specifics... |
Leon Ford
Member Posts: 309
From: Shreveport, LA, United States
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-05-2002 03:28 PM
For some reason, some people in this hobby think that if you mention the word "investment" then you are not really in this hobby because you are interested in space exploration. Of course, most of those folks never spend more than $5 on any item they collect so it really doesn't matter to them.If you are looking at an Apollo 1 crew portrait, go for the best. Make sure the photo has good, clean signatures and is not bent, creased or damaged in any way. You are probably looking in the $15K to $20K range for a perfect one. They are rare, but not impossible to get. Most of the big space auctions have one in the auction. I didn't see one in Aurora this time around, but Superior would normally have one. My bet is Aurora will probably have one in their next auction. If you are willing to spend this kind of money for an item, you want to at least be able to get your money out of it if you need to at a later date. That is what we mean when we say "investment". Always buy the best and your investment should be pretty safe. These Apollo 1 photos seem to go up in value a few thousand dollars every few years. It's more fun to have one of these photos than to have your money in a savings account at the bank! Leon |
Werb
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posted 07-05-2002 03:44 PM
Leon,I do not know if your post was meant as I was stating that people who invest in such things are not true collectors in this hobby or not. But that's the way it was taken. I myself have a few items worth quite a bit of money.( But the sentimental value I place on something is worth more to me than a dollar amount ) But as I stated, "I" am not in this hobby for an investment. I do it because I enjoy it. Otherwise I would have the Armstrong, and others that are really worth something. But quite frankly, there are other things I am interested in other than thoise that will provide a nestegg, or put the kids through college. I did not mention any such thing as you apparently accused me of. So I would appreciate it if you would not make it out as such. I was also going to ask.... hey sleepman? Did you aquire one of these? Just curious. From The Last Frontier....... Mike
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-05-2002 04:44 PM
Leon, do you think that the $15K - $20K level can be sustained in today's market? Its true that the Apollo 1 crew remains in demand and that the examples of a really nice crew portrait are in short supply, but with Aurora and Christies most recent auctions depressed (at least in terms of hammer prices) and other, possibly less-fine examples in reach (at least two are available through an online reseller currently), is the estimate still realistic? I ask because when I first composed my reply, I had numbers closer to yours and then downgraded upon closer examination. |
Leon Ford
Member Posts: 309
From: Shreveport, LA, United States
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-05-2002 05:07 PM
Robert,I think the best items always keep their value. True, the market is depressed right now, but I think the last Apollo 1 I saw at auction went for around $13K. (I may be mistaken). I'm not sure you could pick one up for less than $12K or $13K now. I think people will just hold on to them. My estimate is probably on the high side, but I think that in the long run, that may be what it will take to get one in perfect shape from someone you trust. Leon |
NC Apollo Fan
Member Posts: 261
From: Belmont, NC USA
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 07-05-2002 05:08 PM
Well, strictly from the standpoint of looking at it as a long-term investment then I would consider the fair market value. Fair market value is generally thought of as having a willing buyer and seller. Both parties need to be informed about the item in question, and neither party should be under duress (to either sell or buy).If you think that the uncertain state of the economy is depressing the market for our hobby (or adding to it at least), then you might think of the depressed prices as reflecting duress on the part of the seller. From that standpoint, the perfect example mentioned above might sell for below fair market value. But that does not necessarily mean that it is not worth the $15-20k. Perfect examples are worth more simply because there are fewer of them, and that should be sustainable more than any other piece in the long run. Just my perspective... Jonathan
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sleepman57
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posted 07-05-2002 05:18 PM
Mr Ford I agree fully !!! I was fortunate to have a father who sub-contracted to NASA and jump-started my collection . I am a true collector but I am very much making all my present aquisitions based in no small part by their ability for future returns (after all the nasdaq isnt helping my retirement at present). Lets face it to collect these trinkets solely for their historical value is noble.To loose site of their ability to appreciate would be very foolish! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-05-2002 07:31 PM
There's a difference between being aware of the market and caring about it when it comes to making purchases. As editor of collectSPACE, I make it my responsibility to know how the market is performing so that I can report accurately when I write about such things (and now when I represent other collectors, selling their artifacts through buySPACE). That said, when it comes to my collecting habits, I make acquisitions based on personal taste. Is $250 too much to pay for a Space Shuttle Main Engine gimbal bolt? Will I ever be able to sell it for the same? If I want the bolt for my collection, why should I care if I can resell it and recoup my funds later? I collect to keep, not to invest. Does that make my foolish? |
sleepman57
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posted 07-05-2002 08:31 PM
Well, Mr. Pearlman in my case and with my collection ,it would only be foolish if that gimbal bolt was not resellable for as much as I paid for it. My collection is quite valuable and I do plan on selling it at some later date. For me it is as much an investment as a collection! I can understand some people collecting only for their likes and thats certainly okay but it is still very prudent to know the value of all the pieces in your collection!![This message has been edited by sleepman57 (edited July 05, 2002).] |
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