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

[FuseNova]

I've recently passed on purchasing a couple of screen-used and replica props because they had signatures. It really takes away from the item - though there are certainly exceptions. A low cost screen used item may be dressed up with a nicely placed signature (and photo backup).

 

[Proximo]

Definite no for me, a signed photo would be better. I'm not into Autographs so I just display a framed Photo of the prop or one like it being used in the film next to it instead.

But in some cases for something like the Flying Wing piece I would be perfectly fine to have it signed.

 

[Chris Wyman]

I'm also of the opinion that actual screen used props should not be autographed. As an autograph collector, I'd much rather see a nice photograph with the signature on it framed beside, above or behind the prop. There's just something not right about writing on a piece of history.

 

[carterfan]

I'm not against having screen used props signed but not without proof of signing i.e. photo of them signing. Without proof the signature will actually devalue the item. This what i've gathered from watching shows about auction houses finding stuff to sell.

 

[firstmark]

The signature makes me think the item is more likely to be a replica. Thats the big issue. If you really want the replica look for an item have it signed, in a display case worth more than the item with a nice metal plaque and describe your item as signed in mint condition. This works best with paper items.

 

[Michael Bergeron]

Hello Necro! :lol

I'm in the camp that if you can have it signed in a spot that you won't see go ahead, if not let it be.

 

[larryv4711]

I have the original bustier worn by Columbia in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Little Nell and Patricia Quinn attended a convention I threw in Atlantic City in 2008. I thought really hard about having Nell sign it on the inside but in the end I decided against it. Writing on it 30+ years after the fact would just defile its awesomeness - no matter who it was that wrote on it.

OTOH - one piece I did not manage to get into my collection was Richard O'Brien's shooting script with all his notes, and with signatures from the whole cast from a convention in the 70s. In that case the writing on it is that much more awesome.

 

[Alan Castillo]

Hello Necro! :lol

Agreed :lol

I'm in the camp that if you can have it signed in a spot that you won't see go ahead, if not let it be.

... and also agreed :lol

 

[jax]

I'll go against the grain... I buy items for me and get them signed when possible...I even ask for them personalized to me... The next time they are sold I won't be around to know about it. .

 

[jkno]

If having a screen used item, then for an autograph I would make a separate plaque and have that signed.

 

[DB537]

Bad. :facepalm

 

[metaldud]

Anything i can get signed replica or not and i do because to me its a link to the person who used or wore it at the time of filming.

 

[dixie]

Personnally i only get my replica items signed ,any original screen used props i tend to leave alone ,but would not think a signature on a background / minor prop would really de-value it especially if its out of sight , a signed picture next to it is probably the best compromise.
At the end of the day unless you are trying to sell on and make money out of it do what makes you happy .