Autographs, especially when signed with flair or distinct handwriting, can be visually striking and often serve as unique pieces of artwork in their own right. Celebrity signatures (real and replica) provide a tangible connection to a celebrity or public figure, making them highly enjoyed by fans. Framing and displaying these autographs allow collectors to create a physical representation of this connection in their living and work spaces.
The practice of collecting autographs, also known as philography, is a tradition with a long and storied history, dating back centuries. In fact, the roots of autograph collecting can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, people collected autographs of pharaohs and religious leaders, on various objects like papyrus scrolls and pottery. These autographs were often seen as powerful tokens.
Fast forward a few millennia with the rise of technology in the late 20th century, the process of collecting autographs underwent significant changes. Authentication methods, including the use of certificates of authenticity (COAs) and forensic analysis, became essential to verify the legitimacy of autographs, especially as forgeries became more common. The autographs we laser engrave at LaserJOT are 100% genuine reproductions based off known historical authentic examples.
Some autographs, like of The Beatles, have become valuable investments vehicles. Known authentic examples of their signatures can easily cost $10,000 or more. It's the main reason why we created the LaserJOT collection - to give fans the chance to own a replica version of their autographs.
We expect the long history of autograph collecting to continue as it demonstrates humanity's enduring fascination with the idea of capturing a piece of a notable individual's identity or legacy through their handwriting.