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Sign Here, Kid: Presidential Autographs by Chuck N. Baker

Whomever currently sits in the White House He also made extensive use of the autopen ma-
is certainly a celebrity, and his autograph is cov- chine and had many secretaries who would pen
eted. But today even past American presidents his signature during his time in the Senate and
are also celebrities and if they signed something White House. There is also the fact that because
that is still available, well, we want that too! he was killed before he finished out his term in
In today’s marketplace collectors value some office, he left behind that many hundreds more
autographs more than others. POTUS number of things to be signed. There are autograph ex-
1, George Washington, was the writer of some of perts who can tell if a signature is authentic or
the most valuable signatures in history. In 2012 not, but it will cost you to hire them.
the Washington Presidential Library paid just Franklin Roosevelt’s role in shaping Amer-
short of $10 million to secure Washington’s per- ica’s future and its role in World War II has
sonal signed copy of the US Constitution, Bill kept collectors very interested in his autograph.
of Rights and proceedings of the First Congress. Typed signed letters and cuts are the most com-
Signed early U.S. constitutional documents mon item types available and range in price from
are all extremely rare, and the 56-man club of $500 - $1,000. Documents related specifically
signatories of the Declaration of Independence to his presidency are more valuable because he
also hold a special place in the hearts of Amer- died while in office. The value of his autograph
ican history buffs and autograph buyers. Wash- has remained strong through the years but is
ington’s signature alone is valued at $6,000 and still very obtainable for the average collector.
up. Add it to a document of almost any sort and Writer Andrea Carrillo notes presidential
it will be worth exponentially more. autographs continue to be popular amongst au- tograph collections. Can you even call it a presi-
John F. Kennedy is still very popular tograph collectors. Some collect signatures from dential collection if you don’t have the signature
amongst autograph collectors and is considered all men who have had the privilege of having the from the first man who held the title “President
one of the most collectible presidents in terms POTUS title, while others may limit the scope of of the United States,” George Washington!? His
of his autograph and other memorabilia. Find- their collection to specific signatures that meet a autograph has continued to increase in value
ing an authentic example of his autograph is not certain criterion. throughout the years and fluctuates based on
difficult but it will be priced high. His signature Carrillo writes that America’s first president the item type. She says his collectability will
is one of the most forged of all the presidents. is considered the centerpiece for presidential au- never cease.

prices. Like most toys, they are worth more with
the original packaging. If you have the packag-
ing for your Lincoln Logs, it may help you deter-
mine how old they are.
Alphabet blocks and Lincoln Logs are not
only classic construction toys; they both have
connections to a famous family of architects.
According to the Strong National Museum of
ANCHOR LIGHTS Play in New York, which inducted alphabet
Nautical antiques are popular decorations. blocks into its Toy Hall of Fame in 2003,
Their appeal has many aspects: a call back to an- Frank Lloyd Wright claimed that playing
other time; a sense of seafaring adventure; even with blocks as a child was what sparked his
the durability and practicality of something interest in architecture. His son John, also an
made to survive the high seas. This pair of cop- PHOTO CREDIT: Eldred’s - Antique copper an- architect, invented Lincoln Logs in 1916 and
per anchor lights from the early 20th century chor lights were originally made for use at sea. trademarked the name in 1923. He was inspired
sold for $384 at an auction by Eldred’s. electrified and mounted to wooden bases. With by the earthquake-resistant construction used
Anchor lights, an important safety feature, in the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, which his
were made to hang from the top of the highest their seafaring careers long over, they make an father had designed.
mast, casting light when the ship was at anchor. attractive and useful pair of table lamps. Initially, Lincoln Logs were made by John
Like most models, the lamps shown here have * * *
Fresnel lenses, invented in 1822 as a lightweight, Lloyd Wright’s company, the Red Square Toy
efficient way to increase the distance and visibil- Q: I would like to know the price of some Company, and sold through the Montgomery
ity of the beam cast by a lighthouse. old wooden toys. I have a box of alphabet blocks Ward catalog. Playskool bought the company in
Many companies manufactured anchor and a box of Lincoln Logs. 1943. The rights to Lincoln Logs went to Milton
lights, but some, like these, are only marked A: Alphabet blocks with carved, molded or Bradley in 1968 and Hasbro in 1984. Some sets
with the word “Anchor.” Lamps like these are painted letters sell for about $15 to $30. Wooden of plastic logs were made in the 1970s and 1980s,
still made today and still made to burn oil or blocks with lithographed paper designs sell for but, other than that, they are always wood.
kerosene. Ships carry them in case they lose higher prices, especially if they are in their orig- For more collecting news, tips and resourc-
electricity. The pair pictured here, however, are inal boxes. Vintage Lincoln Logs sell for similar es, visit www.Kovels.com