Q's on Moe Berg auto, Spence LOA and Clean Sweeps Auctions

[Topnotchsy]

Hey,

I recently picked up a picture from a newspaper signed by Moe Berg. I came in the mail today and I had a few questions that I was hoping for assistance on. (Scan in post below.)

The LOA is from James Spence. On it, it says, "Photo Berg 9.5." Is the 9.5 some sort of grading (maybe of the autograph?)

The letter also indicates the card was in an auction by Clean Sweep Auctions (LOA and card sticker have matching numbers and the like.) On the sticker on the card holder it says:

AUTO ITEM 0 PHOTO
Berg 9.5 $300

Is this the price it sold for? I tried searching their site for info on the auction (number 349358, or lot 499 in the 7/25/07 auction) but was not able to find it (possibly since I am not registered.)

Finally, the LOA indicates it was signed in the 1930's. Berg passed away in 1972. Are earlier signatures generally viewed as more desirable?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Mighty Bombjack]

I can only help you with two of your questions:

1. CS does not have open records very far back. I have an account and see nothing upon a search of Moe Berg

2. Earlier signatures might be ever-so-slightly more desirable, but the quality and medium of the sig are MUCH more important.

Nice pick up!

 

[brumbach]

In my experience Clean Sweep price stickers are a retail or estimated value by Clean Sweep. I won a small autographed flat once for less than $30 shipped, however the item arrived insured to the hilt, requiring a signature, with a $50 price sticker.

Signature quality varies from player to player and depends upon the signing conditions. I've seen many vintage signatures that are in a light ballpoint pen and looked rushed, probably signed while leaving a stadium or hotel. I've also seen some beautiful, crisp and bold vintage signatures, often from the same players that also have light and rushed autographs from the same era. I have found that buyers willing to pay a premium for signature quality are a small percentage of autograph collectors and that it may take longer to find a buyer willing to pay a premium.

I once had an insanely awesome Pie Traynor signed GPC that I overpaid for and resold at the same price that I paid when I went to move it. I was honest in my description as well, basically stating that you could get any Pie Traynor autograph for a fraction of my asking price but nowhere near the signature quality. A very happy buyer from Pittsburgh eventually bought it at my asking price.

 

[Topnotchsy]

Thanks for the help guys, here is the scan. I can relate to the idea that the medium is more important than signature quality for some as for me that was the big sell on this one. I don't recall ever seeing a signed item with his picture. This is from a clipping from a magazine, from the early 30's (and according to JSA was signed not too long later.)