autographing a screen used prop... good idea or bad?

[GKvfx]

Another thing to take into consideration are the materials involved. I've seen people get metal items signed with a Sharpie. Well, from experience, those things can fade when used on metal. I always like plain old paper and a ballpoint or similar type pen. That way, you can do whatever you want later.

Gene

 

[Dread84]

The part of the prop that is not scene sounds great!!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!!! :cool

 

[propologist]

If your going to never sell the items do it. Everyone thought I was crazy over the years getting my Revenge of the Jedi posters signed by the cast but to me it makes it more unique than everyone else's . Of course I have been collecting autographs for 20 years and have all kinds of things signed.
you could also just send a blank brass plaque ( or similar to your display) and display it along side the original plaque.

 

[gjustis]

...not screen-used after that...

:lol

Yes it is. It's simply screen-used and signed.

Different strokes for different folks, I say...also consider the nature of the prop, and what, aesthetically, a signature might add. For some props (even most props, I might argue, as the bulk of props in the lexicon aren't particularly singular; ie, a lightsaber or Indy hat or the like), you're not going to harm the value significantly by having it signed by an actor. That's the practical reality of the lofty philosophy.

It is, at the end of the day, a matter of preference. In a case like yours, I think it's probably safe either way, and if it'll make the piece more interesting to an owner, run with it. :thumbsup

 

[kevjh]

I wouldn´t have it signed
kevjh

 

[Charles Kline]

Screen Used - No Signature
Replica Prop - Sure, Why not.

Agree 100%

Another idea (since the topic of this thread is 2+ years old) is to bring a printed out Screen Shot of the item in question to have signed, then it can be displayed nicely with the item.

 

[Jumpin Jax]

For a tin like that, a non-iconic prop; go for it. Something more significant: ghost trap, item of clothing, no.

 

[Die Hard Props]

I think opinions will always be divided on this one.

I would say not to have a Screen Used piece signed. I think it detracts from the piece. By all means, buy a replica and have that signed instead.

I have only ever had a couple of pieces signed, a screen used Gold Bar from Die Hard With A Vengeance and a screen used jacket. They were two of my first props, and i was buying them from one of the actors in the film. He suggested signing them, and i agreed. The signatures didn't take away from the pieces too much, but thinking back, i wouldn't do it again.

He also sent me a signed picture, that would have been fine to display with the pieces.

Simon

 

[hankey01]

My opinion after losing 90% of what I collected and loved over the past may years. If YOU value an item and loved it signed or unsigned then that's your answer. This hobby is for YOU not for resale.

If you are in it for the $$ I suggest real estate or something else.

 

[Polsnulspace]

I only really have one screen used prop but I dont think I would have it signed. It is kept in a display case of which I would happily have the top face of the base signed showing directly under the prop itself.
Getting replicas signed? Well that is ok in certain instances as far as I'm concerned....lightsabres, swords, busts etc!

Paul.

 

[Guardian Devil]

This may be an old thread, but it's certainly made an interesting read.
I know a few people have said about the effect on the value, but I don't feel that applies to all people. That's never something I think about regarding my items.

Personally, I know I have items in my collection that I could never and will never even think of selling, but I wouldn't want a signature on them, even though it was from the person who used it!
I love having the actors sign things for me to display with the items, it adds a whole new dimension to it, but I've always felt half the pleasure of having screen used items is having the item right there in your hand as you saw it on screen.

For example I've got one of the hats Hugh Jackman wore in Van Helsing, but the love of it comes from having Van Helsing's hat! Not a hat Hugh Jackman used during the production of a film. So I don't think I'd want the actors name written all over the characters item....if that makes sense at all :wacko

Anybody understand what I'm trying to say? :lol

 

[Bizarro Lois]

Not that I own any screen-used props, but I can kind of relate to this topic. I collect Silver Age comics and old toys. I've met some legendary comic writers and artists, but I would never ask any of them to sign my old books! For artists, it's much better if they have prints that you can buy and have signed, or if you're lucky, they'll do a quick sketch for you if you provide paper of backing board. For writers, I'll try to find an archive or reprinted comics for them to sign. If all else fails, there's the souvenir program you get at most conventions.
As far as props go, it would probably depend on how iconic the original prop is. There is no way I'd let anyone write on a screen-used lightsaber or Indiana Jones hat. For more common items, I guess it would all depend, but in general, I'm leaning toward No. I like the idea of displaying original props with a signed ticket stub, polaroid, or other momento of the event.
Even some of the stuff I'm currently making, I'd have trouble asking someone to write on. I'd love to meet June Foray, but I don't think I would ask her to autograph the Talky Tina I made, unless maybe it was on the bottom of her shoe.
Another thing you have to consider is what kind of pen you're using and what the item is made of. Someone mentioned that sharpie markers fade over time. If you use them on certain kinds of vinyl, the ink will spread out and blur over time.

 

[propologist]

Not that I own any screen-used props, but I can kind of relate to this topic. I collect Silver Age comics and old toys. I've met some legendary comic writers and artists, but I would never ask any of them to sign my old books! For artists, it's much better if they have prints that you can buy and have signed, or if you're lucky, they'll do a quick sketch for you if you provide paper of backing board. For writers, I'll try to find an archive or reprinted comics for them to sign. If all else fails, there's the souvenir program you get at most conventions.
As far as props go, it would probably depend on how iconic the original prop is. There is no way I'd let anyone write on a screen-used lightsaber or Indiana Jones hat. For more common items, I guess it would all depend, but in general, I'm leaning toward No. I like the idea of displaying original props with a signed ticket stub, polaroid, or other momento of the event.
Even some of the stuff I'm currently making, I'd have trouble asking someone to write on. I'd love to meet June Foray, but I don't think I would ask her to autograph the Talky Tina I made, unless maybe it was on the bottom of her shoe.
Another thing you have to consider is what kind of pen you're using and what the item is made of. Someone mentioned that sharpie markers fade over time. If you use them on certain kinds of vinyl, the ink will spread out and blur over time.

Hey Amy , She signs great throught he Mail . I have gotten here numerous times..I just sent you here address to send some if you wish.

 

[Bizarro Lois]

Thanks, I got your pm. So should I send her a doll's shoe to autograph? What kind of stuff did you have her sign?

 

[propologist]

Thanks, I got your pm. So should I send her a doll's shoe to autograph? What kind of stuff did you have her sign?

I jot her to sign a few Jetsons, Rocky and Bullwinkle and something from Looney Tunes. She's a true legend in the Voice acting business. I needed her to complete my Jetson cast years ago. I just looked and she is still signing 3 items per request.
A shoe or card would be cool. If you could get a good image from the episode and mail that , that would also be good. Just write a good letter and include a SASE.

 

[agent5]

I had Karen Allen sign a piece of the Flying Wing from Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was already in pieces so it is a bit different than having an actual whole and completely recognizable prop signed. Another member (now banned, I think) had Pat Roach sign another broken piece of the plane. Now that he's dead I'd think it'd be worth more than just the plane piece alone, especially since he was so prevelant in that scene of the film.

 

[stormtrooperguy]

As a "funny" follow up to this...

If you have a screen used food item, make SURE to empty it! Even if it means, say, cutting the bottom off of your can of peaches.

Mine exploded. Over time, the pineapple juice inside rotted out the can, and one day I came home to find screen used, 4 year old juice all over everything else in the cabinet with it. I lost a replica Jayne shirt, but everything else was salvageable.

 

[Trekfan]

Signing a replica is one thing. Signing an original is almost always a bad move. It may turn off potential buyers down the road.

 

[TomSpinaDesigns]

I had Karen Allen sign a piece of the Flying Wing from Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was already in pieces so it is a bit different than having an actual whole and completely recognizable prop signed. Another member (now banned, I think) had Pat Roach sign another broken piece of the plane. Now that he's dead I'd think it'd be worth more than just the plane piece alone, especially since he was so prevelant in that scene of the film.

I think the Flying Wing piece is an interesting potential exception... I think that might be a case where the signature does add some interest and potentially value to the piece.

In general, I don't like the idea of signing a screen used prop (at least for my own collection). I think it affects the originality of the piece and further, I agree with others who've said there's potential to turn off a buyer down the road. Even if we never THINK we're going to sell a piece, times change, collections drift in focus and well, you never know!

I've seen a few instances where a signature on an item was a deal breaker so it does happen.

I think for most items, a nice signed 8x10 of the actor (or the creator of the piece if you can nab it!) is a more prudent way to go and (IMO), enhances the display of the piece even better than a marker sig right on it.

best,
Tom

 

[agent5]

If you have a screen used food item, make SURE to empty it!

I also learned this the hard way but thank God it was not with a screen used prop. My Star Wars Pepsi cans began leaking and a couple exploded all over some of my 12" figures.

I completely agree with Tom that a nice photo of the prop or photo from the film its taken from is a classy way to go. Then there's no worry later on down the line if you do ever decide to part with it. I say we need to preserve as many screen used props as possible. I think the majority of us here will agree that not only do they represent our love of certain films but the props themselves are works of art. Trash to some but priceless to others for a variety of reasons.

I cringe when I see some guy on tv who has some original prop that he took a spray can to so he could get the 'marks' off of it, not even realizing they were put there purposely. Thats why its good to see someone like Tom who tries as much as possible to get these degrated works of art back to their original state. Its even more sad that some of the larger corporations that have the money and own many very reconizable props from very well loved films don't have any interest in preservation.

As pointed out there are exceptions but overall I'd say that it would be best to just leave it alone and keep the props you have in their original state as much as possible.