Tha's such a cool story, what gave you the idea to write to the celebs and ask them for signatures, and while we're on that subject. Do you have any Mafia movie memorabilia that does come with a coa.
I recall there being a list of mailing address for celebrities. I purchased that roughly 25 yrs ago, and sent to approx 200+ people. I started off sending a 3x5 notecard and if I received something back, I would then send a 8x10 photo to get signed. I would include a self addressed stamped envelope to return back to me to make it easy for them, if they chose to sign. Maybe half of the people sent back things. I did get some nice things, like a hand written full-page letter from David Bowie, with his personal phone number provided, when he tried calling me. I'd often find out who likes to draw and send them 8x10 paper to do doodles. I might have about 50 of those like Muhammed Ali, Mario Andretti, etc. I would often write to cartoonists since I really like hand drawn art, and may people sent back original daily and Sunday cartoon panels. Lots of cool things from about 20-25 years ago.
One of my things would be to send a photocopy of a hand-written letter, then fill in the blanks to make it look personal but not kill me writing to each person.
But I really enjoyed all the in-person events. I went to the opening of the International Museum of Cartoon Art, and met many cartoonists there. I once was asked by the Road Warriors wrestling duo to drive them to their match in my parent's station wagon when they missed their ride, met the cast of Seinfeld, many Presidents, rock groups, practically every sports team, etc...etc... good times.
Everything I got was in person with the few things in the mail. Nothing with a official COA. It wasnt done for profit or as a business. I just enjoyed the experience.
I did purchase/trade a Joe Pesci (Goodfellas) color photo. I believe I also purchased/traded for Al Pacino (Godfather). I dont recall if either came with a COA.
Makes me wish I was friends with you 25 years ago.
I would have never thought of buying a celeb address list and sending out my own cards and letters to be signed. You must have amassed quite the collection over the years. Do you have any favorite pieces that you'd never part with? I have a few of thoses, one is a autographed baseball signed by Wayne Gretzky, I know, a baseball for a hockey player, that's why its one of my favorite items, the other is a PSA DNA verified signature from Meyer Lansky which I happened to get on a fluke trip to Vegas where I met Sandra Lansky who's Meyer's daughter. She was there with the daughter of Harold Lloyd the silent film star. Anyway, those are my two favorite pieces in my collection. What are some of yours?
I guesstimate I have 1500 different celebrities on 8x10 photos, maybe another 500 on 3x5 index cards, maybe 10 full cast signed scripts, 50 8x10 or larger sketches, tons of original cartoon strips, 50 golf balls, 30 baseballs or other sports items, and other random things.
My favorite stuff is a program signed by the cast of Seinfeld, full scripts by the cast of Cheers, and other tv shows, record albums signed by the Rolling Stones, the Doors with J. Morrison, AC/DC, Guns & Roses. An old letter by JFK when he was a Senator originally sent to him by my grandfather. Lots of sketches by actors, some sketches by lots of cartoonists. A baseball signed by the 1967 Red Sox team. A litho signed by Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, G Sarazen, and B.Nelson. A giant litho poster signed by 20+ HOF golfers. A bat signed by maybe 20 HOF. Those are some things that come to mind.
I spent most of my time (aside from school) in my college days camping out at hotels when rock groups or sports teams were in town. I never paid for the autographs...it was just for the fun of it.
Basically, all my stuff is 20-25 years old.
I go from being a nut collecting autographs to now a nut collecting all physical bitcoins. lol