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Historical Autographs

Many of history's greatest moments have been commemorated with an autograph. From the earliest artist signatures of ancient Greece to the signors of the Declaration of the Independence, historical autographs add an air of authenticity to documents and create a tangible connection to our shared past.

Though the practice of making one's mark on official documents dates back generations, the collecting of signatures is a more recent phenomenon. Enthusiasm for autographs swelled over the course of the 19th century as collectors realized just how significant signatures can be.

While some autograph collectors directly solicit signatures from their favorite figures, others turn to the retail market, seeking out autograph dealers who can provide authenticated signatures. The tradition of the signature trade continues to be vigorous today, with important historical autographs gaining significance as time goes on.


Quick Facts

  • By the 1850s, avid autograph collectors were sending away for the signatures of prominent figures including American author Washington Irving
  • The oldest documented signature appears on a relief-carved tablet from ancient Sumer. Listing the titles of the civilization's central figures, the tablet is etched on the reverse with the name of the scribe, Gar.Ama
  • An Acts of Congress signed by United States President George Washington sold at a Sotheby's auction in 2012 for $9,800,000

Recommended Items at Auction

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Jane Addams Wants to Meet Susan B. Anthony
May 01, 2:00 AM EDT
Jane Addams Wants to Meet Susan B. Anthony
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $350- $500
$2000 Bids
Dorothea Dix ALS on Caring for the Insane, “these unfortunate sufferers”
May 01, 2:00 AM EDT
Dorothea Dix ALS on Caring for the Insane, “these unfortunate sufferers”
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $900- $1,250
$9000 Bids
Signed Photograph of Cyrus W. Field; Financier of the First Transatlantic Cable
May 01, 2:00 AM EDT
Signed Photograph of Cyrus W. Field; Financier of the First Transatlantic Cable
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $500- $700
$3000 Bids
Abolitionist Garrison to Activist Lydia M. Child
May 01, 2:00 AM EDT
Abolitionist Garrison to Activist Lydia M. Child
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $700- $900
$4000 Bids
Letter by Chinese Gordon; Led Victorious Imperial Army in the Taiping Rebellion
May 01, 2:00 AM EDT
Letter by Chinese Gordon; Led Victorious Imperial Army in the Taiping Rebellion
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $500- $700
$3500 Bids
Rare ALS by Lavoisier, Scientist & Financier, with Historic Provenance
May 01, 2:00 AM EDT
Rare ALS by Lavoisier, Scientist & Financier, with Historic Provenance
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $5,000- $7,500
$4,7500 Bids
Lespinasse, France’s Author of Love Letters Mentions her Beloved
May 01, 2:00 AM EDT
Lespinasse, France’s Author of Love Letters Mentions her Beloved
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $4,000- $5,000
$3,2500 Bids
Architect W. R. Mead TLS about Construction Issues
May 01, 2:00 AM EDT
Architect W. R. Mead TLS about Construction Issues
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $600- $800
$4000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Historical Autographs


Asté Maison de ventes

Asté Maison de ventes