posted 12-14-2007 08:31 AM               

Would you choose that item for reasons other than dollar-value?

I'm new to this and am not sure which direction to go in.

For example, I like the Dec 1969 issue of National Geo with Buzz Aldrin on the cover for an item for him to sign but is there something else that would be more valuable (if I ever did want to sell it)?

Do you have it personally inscribed or not?

Thanks for your help.

posted 12-14-2007 09:10 AM               

In my mind, there is nothing more impressive than a large format high quality in-flight space image. Some of my moonwalker signed 16x20 images are so clear they are downright scary. I am very selective of the images I get signed, as when you look closely at some of them, it seems like you can see every single grain of moon dust. Also, I have a few launch images in 16x20 formats that are terrific as well. The fire plume under the rockets look quite realistic in a large format.

Aside from space, I have a collection of some my favorite sports athletes signatures that I received in-person, and I can tell you that in that genre of collecting, the bigger the image, the more expensive the cost of the autograph. It can sometimes cost as much as double to get a 16x20 signed versus a standard 8x10. In the space field, there is often no extra charge for a larger format photo, which is certainly a plus.

But, collecting 16x20 photos can have its drawbacks as they can be easily damaged when handled, cost a mint to frame, and require a vast amount of room to hang.

posted 12-14-2007 11:19 AM               

But seriously, if you do go the book route make sure it's a first edition/printing (if possible); has a clean title page for the author to sign on; and be sure to have a question or comment about the book to engage in conversation. Magazines are so ephemeral compared to books, plus there are several authored by Aldrin out there already.

As for value and inscriptions, obviously if the title page (or photo or magazine) has a dedication '..to John or Karen etc.' the value is lowered somewhat as opposed to the astronaut just signing it and adding his last military rank and mission(s). This would be a good idea if you plan to sell it later, and it also looks more pleasing to the eye if you don't.

posted 12-14-2007 11:53 AM               

I do have that National Geographic signed by Aldrin and it looks great. Hard to see, but in the lower right corner of this image.

I really like signed magazines and have been specializing in them for a long time. But most people prefer other types of media. Books are great, but rank pretty low on the displayability scale. NASA documents, appropriate to the astronaut and signed on the front are popular and meet most criteria for being good items to get signed.