Signed (autographed) Icon


Using the Signed Icon

When you use the free "Signed" icon it will be displayed next to your auction title in all category lists and search results..
These icons draw attention to your listing and they allow browsers to quickly identify which items are Signed. 

Holographic material must be warranted in perpetuity without reservation (Sellers must  offer a 100% guarantee to refund the purchase price upon discovery of a questionable and unverifiable signature).

Any book declared to be Signed (or Autographed)  must contain one of the following two specific references:

1. A photo or scan of the actual autograph or inscription (showing as much detail as possible and the complete inscription if there is one).

2. A statement of provenance or lack thereof.  Statements should include all relevant information available to the seller.

prov·e·nancen.

  1. Place of origin; derivation.
  2. Proof of authenticity or of past ownership. Used of art works and antiques.
  • A statement of where the autographed item was obtained and declaration of authenticity, i.e., "Signed in my presence at _______ on 3/14/97", or "Purchased at ______ bookstore in 1968 - Compares well to vetted signature on webpage ______", or "Purchased from ______ book dealer in May 1998, but no online reference found for comparison."
  • If the autograph authenticity is unknown, simply state this -- giving any relevant details that may help the prospective buyer determine the authenticity of the signature; i.e.,  "Purchased at a library sale, no online reference found to compare it to" or "Purchased at a garage sale, could not find an online reference to compare it to, but author lives in a neighboring community", “Do not know where it was obtained, compares well to signature found at ______website".
  • A complete "Lack Thereof" statement is also acceptable; i.e.,  "I don't know where this book was obtained and I cannot find any online reference to compare it to."

Additionally, if sellers don't know the provenance of the signature on their item, they must make an attempt to authenticate the signature's authenticity by comparing it to an authentic signature (there are many online reference sites that offer vetted signature for comparison).  Because of the proliferation of "light box" traced signatures sold as "autographed" on other websites (where there is no accountability) we require sellers to make a statement concerning knowledge of the authenticity of the autograph claimed.  If they don't know the provenance, this must be stated. If no reference can be found, this must also be stated.

For your convenience, a link to the Collectors Book Mall Autograph Identification Sites is provided here and on the Add Auction and Edit Auction pages.

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