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2009 News Archive

All of our Autographs news stories from 2009 can be found here.

Documents in this Section

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) signed letter (PF9)

An exceptionally rare one page signed letter, dated February 13, 1813, written to the Duc de Feltre

Posted: 10 August 2011
Apollo 11 (1969) set of three signed photographs, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins (PF12)

A superb set of three 8 x 10 inch official NASA photographs, each signed by the Apollo 11 crew

Posted: 23 March 2011
The Editor’s Top 5 stories of 2009

There have been thousands of stories on the website this year – here I highlight my favourites

Posted: 1 January 2010
Happy Hogmanay!

Happy Silvester, Reveillon and Nochevieja for our overseas readers

Posted: 31 December 2009
Today in history... Tiger Woods was born

December 30, 1975: it's been a rough year for Woods, but his memorabilia is on the up, say experts

Posted: 30 December 2009
Public Enemy #1's love letters could sell for €80k

Poems and coloured drawings by the notorious criminal Jacques Mesrine will go under the hammer

Posted: 29 December 2009
Gerald Ford / Richard Nixon

A souvenir copy of Ford's famous pardon of President Nixon

Posted: 27 December 2009
Henry VIII (1491-1547) signed document (PF33)

A handwritten letter signed by the King of England dated 1533

Posted: 26 December 2009
Merry Christmas!

Don't forget your free gift from Paul Fraser Collectibles...

Posted: 25 December 2009
Francoise Gilot (1921- ) self portrait (PF71)

Respected artist and Picasso Muse - a rarely seen self-portrait

Posted: 23 December 2009
George Washington (1731-1799) Potomack Company (PF11)

An incredible accounts document listing the payment of slave labour in the construction of a Canal at Shenandoah Falls

Posted: 23 December 2009
Prince Charles and Princess Diana (PF63) autographed Christmas card

A lovely Royal memento - a Charles and Diana signed Christmas card

Posted: 23 December 2009
Today in history... George Washington resigns as leader of America's revolution

December 23, 1783: after defeating the British and uniting a nation, he retires to his farm

Posted: 23 December 2009
Yorkshire Ripper's letters fetch four times their estimate

Written to a Birmingham woman, the letters sold despite criticism

Posted: 23 December 2009
Henry VIII (1491-1547) signed document dated 1534 (PF69)

An incredible signed document dating from July 1 1534

Posted: 22 December 2009
Paul Fraser Collectibles: one of the 100 best things about Bristol

With Banksy and Wallace and Gromit, we've been named among the Top 100 things to love about our home city

Posted: 22 December 2009
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) signed cheque (PF77)

A Coutts bank cheque dated March 25 1861

Posted: 21 December 2009
Franz Liszt (1811-1886) signed photograph (PF75)

An incredibly rare signed cabinet photograph of the Hungarian Composer, with signature

Posted: 21 December 2009
Historic signed Beatles magazine brings $12k

Autographed by the Fab Four at the height of Beatlemania, it has sold with Michael Jackson in London

Posted: 21 December 2009
Patrouille de France memorabilia on sale

Hôtel Drouot is offering flight suits from the French aerobatic team

Posted: 21 December 2009
Princess Diana (1961-1997) handwritten signed note on Kensington Palace notepaper (PF76)

An official handwritten card from Princess Diana with a superb example of her signature.

Posted: 21 December 2009
Winston Churchill (1874-1965) autographed letter on official Chartwell note paper (PF78)

A thank you letter autographed by Sir Winston Churchill, typed on Chartwell headed note paper

Posted: 21 December 2009
Insights of a poet laureate fetch £40k

A collection of letters autographed by Ted Hughes has doubled its estimate

Posted: 18 December 2009
Otis Redding (1941-1967)

Posted: 18 December 2009
Tale of Peter Rabbit scampers to $94k

The specially bound 1919 edition is inscribed by author Beatrix Potter herself

Posted: 17 December 2009
The ongoing legacy of John Lennon

Upon the discovery of a 'forgotten' 1971 Lennon interview, we take a look at his memorabilia

Posted: 17 December 2009
Signed Lewis Carroll, Beatrix Potter and HG Wells books to sell online

With estimates upwards of $120k, this auction is unmissable for rare book collectors

Posted: 15 December 2009
Humphrey Bogart stars with Michael Jackson at Bonhams

Jackson's iconic fedora will auction at £12k, alongside The Beatles, Sir Laurence Olivier and Lauren Bacall

Posted: 11 December 2009
Edgar Allen Poe's For Annie brings $830k

Poe's handwritten text and Charles Dickens' books break records

Posted: 9 December 2009
Paul Fraser welcomes James Bly to the Expert Panel

Antique Expert and Fund Manager

Posted: 9 December 2009
'Dam Busters' autographs sell at Bonhams

A party menu signed by the real-life No 617 Squadron after their legendary mission has auctioned

Posted: 8 December 2009
How to spot a fake autograph

Paul Fraser has been involved in autographs for 31 years - so here are some Top Tips to ensure your collection is as genuine as it is impressive...

Posted: 8 December 2009
Sir Paul McCartney (1942–) (PF66)

Fantastic - this item sells itself

Posted: 8 December 2009
Alice's own Looking Glass worth $150k

The first edition of Lewis Carroll's classic signed by the book's heroine goes under the hammer

Posted: 7 December 2009
George Washington's historic letter sells for $3.2m

Cormac McCarthy's typewriter also sells for over 10 times its estimate

Posted: 7 December 2009
It's a steal... a wealth of Dillinger memorabilia goes under the hammer

The notorious outlaw's letters, pocket watch and gun top the bill at $35k each

Posted: 7 December 2009
James Stewart drawing and autograph (PF68)

A superb drawing and autograph by James Stewart and Harvey

Posted: 6 December 2009
George Washington (1732–1799) earliest known autograph (PF5)

Believed to be the earliest known George Washington autograph in private hands.

Posted: 4 December 2009
Nabokov's handwritten last work to sell for up to $600k

The work by the Lolita author will appear alongside Cormac McCarthy's typewriter in New York

Posted: 4 December 2009
Prince Charles & Princess Diana autographed Christmas card (PF79)

A signed Christmas card featuring William and Harry

Posted: 3 December 2009
Baudelaire's suicide note sells for €180k

The great poet and critic tried to take his own life in 1845

Posted: 2 December 2009
$2.5m 'most important' George Washington letter for sale

The first US President's four-page letter endorsing the US constitution will auction next month

Posted: 30 November 2009
Tiger Woods (1975-) autographed PGA Tour cap (PF21)

A beautifully signed PGA Tour cap bearing Tiger Woods' signature

Posted: 30 November 2009
Two British Auction Houses join forces

Details on Bloomsbury and Dreweatts' strategic alliance

Posted: 29 November 2009
$60k Beat It lyrics put Jackson in the autographs big league

King of Pop signatures smashed their estimates, selling for five figures at the Julien's NY auction

Posted: 27 November 2009
The Collections of Malcolm Forbes

The cheerful multi-millionaire businessman, philanthropist and enthusiastic collector...

Posted: 26 November 2009
US TV star Reyne Haines joins Paul Fraser Collectibles expert panel

Here Reyne shows us that valuable collections aren't just confined to rare stamps or coins, classic cars, or wine cellars

Posted: 26 November 2009
Video of the week

Michael Jackson, Elvis, Madonna and the Beatles hit the auction block in New York

Posted: 25 November 2009
$60k Bo Diddley guitar rocks at auction

Michael Jackson got all the attention, but Elvis, the Beatles and others also shone at Julien's NY sale

Posted: 24 November 2009
George Washington letter to sell for $2.5m

Washington wrote to his nephew about his belief that America's constitution should be supported

Posted: 23 November 2009
Warren Buffett v Luxury Collectibles

You'd think there could only be one winner... right?

Posted: 20 November 2009
Lincoln letter goes on sale for $60k

Message confirmed he had met schoolboy despite his pressing concerns

Posted: 19 November 2009
Document from the Mayor of New Amsterdam to sell for $40k

Neil Armstrong, Einstein and Abraham Lincoln signatures also go under the hammer

Posted: 17 November 2009
Jack Ruby's hat sells for $54k

Ruby's shackles and JFK's final autograph also beat expectations

Posted: 16 November 2009
Anti-slavery campaigner's letters abolish estimate to sell for £86k

Darwin's arrangements to publish The Origin of Species in US also causes competition

Posted: 11 November 2009
Paul McCartney memorabilia will auction in New York

Artefacts 'from the closet' of Aerosmith's Steve Tyler are also going under the hammer at Julien's auctions

Posted: 10 November 2009
Apollo 13 badge sells for $23k

It sold alongside a $20k print signed by 22 astronauts at the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's auction

Posted: 9 November 2009
$35k for the hat of Lee Harvey Oswald's killer

Worn by the man found guilty for shooting JFK's assassin, the fedora will auction at Heritage in Dallas

Posted: 7 November 2009
£40k set of autographs for sale

Letters from the leading thinkers of the C18th-19th up for auction, alongside Darwin's and Henry VII's

Posted: 5 November 2009
Cambridge's £1.25m bid for WW2 poet's archive

The university's campaign hopes to save Military Cross winner Siegried Sassoon CBE's writings

Posted: 5 November 2009
Is a signed Sarah Palin Xbox worth $1.1m?

Experts have dubbed it 'Grand Theft Autograph', but what can other political figures' autographs bring?

Posted: 3 November 2009
Paul Fraser welcomes John Bly to the expert panel

John Bly is an antiques dealer, author, after-dinner speaker and broadcaster who is best known from the BBC Antiques Roadshow

Posted: 3 November 2009
Beatles and Stones signatures bring £3.5k

The autographs from the bands' earliest TV appearances sold for over 10 times their estimate

Posted: 2 November 2009
Apollo 11 (1969) (PF16) photograph signed by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins

A large colour photo measuring 15.5 x 14inches, signed by the three crew members of Apollo 11.

Posted: 30 October 2009
$71k travelogue and Karl Marx lead Hong Kong book sale

Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland will also star at the highly anticipated book auction

Posted: 28 October 2009
Jackie Kennedy's post-JFK murder letter

A letter by the 'fragile' First Lady following her husband's 1963 death is auctioning online

Posted: 28 October 2009
Russian pays for operation with $2k Brigitte Bardot autograph

The miner is selling his treasured 50 year-old photo to foot a life-saving surgery bill

Posted: 28 October 2009
Early-'60s Beatles and Rolling Stones autographs for sale

The signatures were collected while filming a must-see Swinging Sixties music show

Posted: 27 October 2009
'Controversial' $150k Walt Whitman for sale

A signed 19th century first edition by the 'father of free verse' can be yours to own

Posted: 23 October 2009
How to find rare Buzz Aldrin collectibles

His memorabilia gets less attention than Neil Armstrong's, but savvy collectors can find some real gems

Posted: 22 October 2009
Gauguin's angry letter brings $31k at Bonhams

The artist proves that sometimes an ill-tempered rant is all you need to attract bidders

Posted: 21 October 2009
Rare Abraham Lincoln autographs are displayed in New York

But if you can't get to NY, we have another historic Lincoln signature which you can be yours

Posted: 20 October 2009
American heritage under the hammer today...

Birth of the State of California documents at auction

Posted: 18 October 2009
Memorabilia: the Top 10 dead celebrities list

They're still earning millions after their death - and that's why their collectibles are so sought-after

Posted: 17 October 2009
Auction features Dali, Wittgenstein and JFK

Fascinating letters from Marie Curie and Freud in very good condition

Posted: 16 October 2009
Bonham's to sell $60k Melville and $25k Gauguin letters

The Moby Dick author and famous artist will appear alongside Freud and Hemingway at auction

Posted: 15 October 2009
Abraham Lincoln signed document (1809–1865) (PF10)

An exceptionally rare piece of autographed political memorabilia - a Presidential document signed by Abraham Lincoln...

Posted: 14 October 2009
Babe Ruth's 'most important' bat sells for $537k

From the baseball legend's 1918 season, one expert calls it Ruth's 'most historically significant bat'

Posted: 14 October 2009
'Godfather' of surfing's signed handprints to sell for $12k

The next Bonham's Fine Books sale includes memorabilia from Hawaii's favourite sport

Posted: 14 October 2009
Former England cricketer denies selling 'fake' autographs

Dermot Reeve's autographs by the legendary batsman Donald Bradman are forged, says expert

Posted: 13 October 2009
How much is a guitar signed by Prince Harry?

That's the question asked by an aspiring Dorset rockstar, after the Royal autographed his axe at a gig

Posted: 12 October 2009
NBA legend Bill Russell holds rare autograph signing

He's won more championships than any other athlete in a North American sports league

Posted: 8 October 2009
Rugby Captain's World Cup victory boots to be auctioned

Martin Johnson wore these boots to defeat Australia in the 2003 Final - and now they can be yours

Posted: 8 October 2009
'I forged Ian Curtis's autograph' admits Peter Hook

Former Joy Division bassist signed the late singer's signatures, with some dated after his death

Posted: 7 October 2009
Muhammad Ali's earliest known letters auctioned

The only three letters signed 'Cassius Clay' bring $13-17k at a Dallas, US memorabilia sale

Posted: 6 October 2009
Autographed baseball cards in the Sunshine State

A Florida museum is to exhibit signed cards and other memorabilia

Posted: 5 October 2009
Tiger Woods becomes the first $1bn sportsman

His increasing popularity adds to his pay packet... and the value of his memorabilia

Posted: 5 October 2009
NASA: Mercury 7 (PF13) signed photograph featuring the first US astronauts

A beautiful vintage matte-finish, 10 x 8inch photograph featuring the Mercury 7 astronauts posing with a model rocket

Posted: 4 October 2009
Limited 200-edition signed space artefacts

Materials used on Apollo 14, 16 and Discovery missions are being given away, with autographs

Posted: 2 October 2009
Signed works at Earl's book auction

Texts include signed and annotated works by Coleridge

Posted: 2 October 2009
Signed Casino Royale estimated at $40,000

James Bond's debut is the star lot at Heritage's incredible sale featuring six signed Ian Fleming 007 books

Posted: 1 October 2009
Bockscar (August 8, 1945)

The plane that dropped the second Atomic Bomb. A superb piece of history is for sale.

Posted: 25 September 2009
Collectibles investments are booming, says The Times

'High net worth individuals are increasingly turning to alternative investments,' reports the respected UK newspaper

Posted: 24 September 2009
Queen Victoria (1819–1901) signed cabinet photograph (PF18)

A Queen Victoria signed photo dated June 21 1887 - a significant date

Posted: 16 September 2009
Led Zeppelin (PF20) set of four band member autographs, John Paul Janes, John Bonham, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page

A scarce set of ballpoint autographs from the four members of Led Zeppelin...

Posted: 10 September 2009
Babe Ruth (1895–1948) (PF15) vintage signed Yankees photo

A vintage glossy 8 x 10inch full-length photo of a strong, svelte Babe Ruth, clad in his Yankees road uniform taking a practice swing during spring training

Posted: 3 September 2009
John F Kennedy (1917–1963) and Jacqueline Kennedy signed programme (1929–1994) (PF4)

A superb original program from a Kennedy-Johnson Campaign Dinner sponsored by the Democratic National Committee and held at the Sheraton Park Hotel in Washington on September 20, 1960.

Posted: 3 September 2009
Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962) (PF14) signed cheque

A superb Marilyn Monroe signed cheque, payable to her psycho-analyst...

Posted: 3 September 2009
Madonna (1958–) handwritten lyrics to 'Cry Baby' (PF17)

These lyrics have been handwritten by Madonna for her song 'Cry Baby', a hit from the 'I'm Breathless' album released in 1990...

Posted: 1 September 2009
Collector pays $4 at flea market and makes $1m find...

The incredible story of how 'the most important document in American history' was discovered at a local antiques market.

Posted: 31 August 2009
George S Patton signed letter (1885–1945) (PF3)

In the midst of World War II, General George S Patton, wrote a letter to Suzanne Miner, who had served as his housekeeper in Langres, France, during World War I...

Posted: 15 August 2009
Princess Diana (1961–1997) large signed photograph (PF23)

A beautiful large signed and inscribed colour photograph measuring 8.5 x 14inches...

Posted: 6 August 2009
Sir Paul McCartney signed letter (1942–) (PF1)

A rarely seen, early, typed letter from Paul McCartney sent from his childhood home at 20 Forthlin Road, Allerton, Liverpool.

Posted: 28 July 2009
Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658) (PF7) signed document

Incredibly rare signed document circa 1650, featuring Oliver Cromwell's autograph

Posted: 1 July 2009
Autographed space art for sale

Collectible eight-foot works signed by astronauts show artists' incredible renderings of space exploration

Posted: 1 October 2009
Jackson Pollock 'hid his signature inside $140m painting'

Historian's wife spots the artist's autograph within his chaotic swirls while staring at it over breakfast

Posted: 29 September 2009
Lord Byron's most important letters to sell at Sotheby's

The notes written to a clergyman include jibes about foreigners, and a dig at his rival Wordsworth (or 'Turdsworth')

Posted: 29 September 2009
Outrage over sale of serial killer's letters

An auction of letters by murderer Harold Shipman is 'raking it up again' for the families, says coroner

Posted: 28 September 2009
Paul McCartney's childhood essay discovered

Aged 10, he beat other competition entrants from all over Liverpool with his essay about the 'lovely young Queen'

Posted: 28 September 2009
See the world's most comprehensive football collection

Over 18,000 items chronicling the oldest Football League in the world will feature in Liverpool expo

Posted: 25 September 2009
The surprising treasures of Dartmouth Town Council

Ceremonial maces, chains and an autograph book signed by a French President worth six figure sums

Posted: 22 September 2009
Churchill memorabilia: £100k auction

Winston Churchill's gloves and signed letters are some of the items available

Posted: 21 September 2009
Beatles 'bigger than Jesus' magazine sold for $13K

A magazine signed by Lennon containing his infamous comments sells

Posted: 18 September 2009
Dylan's harmonica sold at local town hall for £2.7k

Bob Dylan memorabilia is very rare - and one lucky buyer has snapped-up this item from the singer's legendary 1974 tour for a bargain price

Posted: 14 September 2009
First annual tennis auction held in NY

Golf and baseball have long been memorabilia hotbeds... But it's looking like tennis could one day catch them up

Posted: 14 September 2009
Muse guitar causes bidding war on eBay

A guitar artwork signed by the supergroup is causing a frenzy among fans - and there is still time for you to bid

Posted: 14 September 2009
Good news: collectibles improve your mental health

They can reduce stress, add years to your life and 'people with hobbies are healthier and happier,' says a new study

Posted: 11 September 2009
Space auction featuring fantastic pieces

The personal recollections of a Gemini 7 astronaut, a flown Rolex and Neil Armstrong's autograph available

Posted: 11 September 2009
Harry Potter first edition to sell for £2K

Author's signature and personal message make all the difference

Posted: 10 September 2009
Gandhi memorabilia sold at auction

A pair of items presented to his friend Emma Harker have gone under the hammer in London

Posted: 8 September 2009
Legendary car innovator to sign autographs

Autograph and memorabilia collectors can meet the man who put the ‘super’ in Super Mustang...

Posted: 8 September 2009
Obama and Michael Jordon memorabilia for sale

This is your chance to get the US President's signature, and memorabilia for the legendary 1992 basketball 'Dream Team'

Posted: 8 September 2009
Hitler etched playing Lenin - in 1909?

Etching which shows Hitler playing Lenin at chess, signed by both, for sale at £40k

Posted: 4 September 2009
Lennon's 'we're more popular than Jesus' interview to sell for over $10k

A signed copy of the magazine which caused a storm of controversy around the Beatles is being auctioned in the US

Posted: 3 September 2009
Hugh Laurie's cane, posters and Emmy tickets on eBay

A-list autographs and a chance to visit your favourite show's set are also up for grabs

Posted: 27 August 2009
Schwarzenegger signed cars for sale

Governor lends his signature to garage sale automobiles to raise money for California

Posted: 26 August 2009
Buzz Aldrin signature at world's biggest autograph show

Apollo 10 pilot Stafford will also give only UK appearance at NASA autographs sale

Posted: 13 August 2009
Unseen Beatles photos for sale in Liverpool

Exclusive photos of one of the 'Fab Four' and all four Beatles' autographs to be sold

Posted: 7 August 2009
Apollo 11 hero signs books at 'splash down' celebration

Legendary moon explorer appears with unsung heroes appear at 'largest existing Apollo 11 artefact'

Posted: 6 August 2009
Legendary gunslinger's letters go on display

'It is fascinating to me that a kid of 21 is still so much in our folklore,' says academic

Posted: 6 August 2009
'One of the greatest 20th century artists' books' to sell for $30k

Limited first edition signed by 'two of the most enigmatic artists of our time' is offered in Manhattan

Posted: 6 August 2009
Old friends gather to celebrate The Beatles

A former Monkee and other Beatles friends and colleagues to appear at memorabilia and autograph convention

Posted: 5 August 2009
Photo of Lincoln without his beard sells for £100k

Rare early photo of US president makes surprise appearance at Hollywood memorabilia auction

Posted: 4 August 2009
Dillinger letter sells for a staggering $60k

A rare letter penned by the US outlaw has sold for ten times its estimate

Posted: 3 August 2009
Unique comedy items at auction

Personal belongings of three world famous comedians are hitting the auction room in August

Posted: 31 July 2009
Rare wine autographed by baseball legend

A highly-collectible Chateau features a '600 home runs' star on its label

Posted: 29 July 2009
Armstrong 'snubs' member of U.S. Congress

Apollo 11's 'first man on moon' refuses to sign autograph for House Speaker

Posted: 28 July 2009
Lennon Beatles jackets, Hendrix contract and a life-sized Arnie to be auctioned online

'Elvis' painted by Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan lyrics will also appear a New York Internet sale

Posted: 27 July 2009
Bridget Jones' big smalls

Classic piece of memorabilia from the first film sold for charity signed by one of the stars

Posted: 22 July 2009
Apollo 11 autographs

The signatures of first astronauts on the moon continue to be coveted by collectors everywhere

Posted: 19 July 2009
Moon astronaut's signature sells for $27k

Cheque signed by 'the Christopher Columbus of the 20th century' is auctioned online

Posted: 17 July 2009
Spiritual leader and Indian Prime Minister's memorabilia sold for thousands

Key items from India's spiritual and political past auctioned for £17,500

Posted: 15 July 2009