Autograph Hell

Unfortunately, one of the common occurrences in autograph collecting is fraud. Countless collectors are fooled by fraudulent signatures, posing as rock stars, athletes, authors, even the founding fathers. Since the beginning of autograph collecting, con artists have been creating fraudulent pieces. In the late 1700s, a young man by the name of William Henry Ireland made a fortune from creating fraudulent William Shakespeare signatures, deeds and letters. He even went as far as a falsified "lost play". During his rise to fame, Ireland sold countless "Shakespearian signatures". The most important part to remember when collecting is to be sure the autograph is authenticated by an expert. Do not buy an autograph with out it being authenticated. My other piece of advice is: "knowledge is power". Make yourself into an expert, know the product well. From the shape and form of the signature to the type of paper used. Just remember to be cautious, protect ...

A rare autograph from the famous American writer Earnest Hemingway was found on a menu at the El Dragon Bar and Restaurant on the waterfront in Cuba. Scribbled in blue ink, Hemingway signed the menu "A delightful place, Earnest Hemingway". The lucky collector bought the menu from the restaurant for a dollar. The autograph is valued at $3,000 to $5,000 and will be for sale at the Sixth Annual Fort Worth Postcard and Paper Show. The problem the seller will find at the auction is that the autograph has not been authenticated yet. And as I have stated in Autograph Hell , you might be 110% positive that the signature is real, but if the authenticator doesn't agree then it isn't considered 'real'. Meaning, as you are traveling this summer, or even in your hometown be on the lookout for these lucky but rare occurrences. Just don't get too excited until it has been authenticated.

Irion books has given away 40 autographed copies of "Autograph Hell" to the first 40 lucky people who signed up for them at the facebook ad for "Autograph Hell" congratulations! Hopefully these copies and the recommendations in the book will help unsuspecting autograph hounds from being duped by bad dealers or just plain crooks selling fake autographs! www.autographhell.com

Do you know where authenticators get their credentials? college? no the streets? yes. They are generally just people who have collected autographs like you and me. They proclaim to know whether an autograph is real or not and they charge money to tell you! do you think they are accurate? I have heard lots of horror stories from collectors who were told their prized possesion if a fraud--even ones they got in-person. check out www.autographhell.com for the truth

I just finished reading "Autograph Hell." An Intro and seven chapters of nothing but the truth. Autograph collector, Charles Irion has put together a book that every collector should get his hands on. From the history of collecting to his own experiences, Irion hit it right on the head. What a great, entertaining and educational read! I loved it and can't wait to read his entire "Hell" series. Anyone can see that a lot of work and time went into this book. I would venture to say that Irion puts this much effort into all of his writing.Sincerely, Raymond (avid fan) Cardi

Walter Hinson the lead investigator of the Howard Hughes mormon will fraud investigation says autograph hell is a revealing book into the real world of authentication of autographs---a must read for all collectors!

beware of the auction house that says your autograph isn't real--especially the one you got in person----it could still be real!------duh----- chuck