Rare Autograph Collection Sells for Over £78,000 at Dawsons

From our purpose-built auction logistics hub in Berkshire, UK, the team at Dawsons were delighted to secure a sales total in excess of £78,000 for our client. Today’s auction featured a single owner collection, comprising an extraordinary array of rare autographs, once owned by the late Franz-Peter Bach, a renowned German autograph collector.

^{Mao Zedong (1893-1976) Chinese statesman, commonly known as 'Chairman Mao'}

^{Sold for £22,000}

Dawsons broadcast sales live across multiple auction platforms to a global audience of over 10 million active bidders for maximum exposure, and this certainly led to a competitive bidding environment. Enthusiasts and collectors from across the world competed ferociously to secure their favoured autographs – no doubt, in order to add to their own personal collections.

The auction comprised a wide range of historically and culturally significant autographs. A signed letter from Chairman Mao emerged as the highlight of the auction, selling for an impressive £22,000. Other notable sales included autographs from Jim Morrison and Deng Xiaoping, each fetching £6,000, reflecting the enduring appeal of both the iconic rock star and the influential Chinese leader.

^{The Beatles autographs signed 'with love'}

^{Sold for £5,500}

Music enthusiasts were particularly drawn to the signatures of legendary artists. An autograph from The Beatles sold for £5,500, while a signed item from Nirvana achieved £5,000. The Rolling Stones and Freddie Mercury also proved popular, with their autographs selling for £3,800 and £2,400 respectively. Bob Marley’s signature was another highlight, bringing in £2,200.

Historical figures also commanded high prices. A rare autograph from Mahatma Gandhi sold for £2,000 whilst the legendary Sitting Bull’s signature fetched £4,800. The auction additionally featured the signatures of Dr Seuss which went for £2,200 and the Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls) sold for £2,600, showcasing the diverse range of interests among collectors.

^{Sitting Bull and One Bull, their two cut-out signatures on paper}

^{Sold for £4,800}

Peter Mason, the auctioneer on the day, expressed his delight at the auction's success: “It was a pleasure to handle, research, work with our in-house marketing team to promote these incredible autographs to a global audience of collectors, and then ultimately sell such a unique collection. In the modern age of ‘selfies’, it is a reminder of the time when autograph hunting could become a life-long passion. This collection offered a great testament to its late curator, as does his wish that a portion of the funds realised from the sale, will go to charities in his native Germany.”

^{Nirvana: a band-signed 'Nevermind' CD insert}

^{Sold for £5,000}

Franz-Peter Bach, whose collection was the focus of this auction, spent many years amassing and preserving the signatures of some of the most influential figures in history, and with that in mind, our in-house marketing team were determined to showcase his wonderful collection or rare autographs to the world… Bespoke and dynamic content was created, circulated to the worldwide press and marketed directly to known buyers across the globe. Allied with creative social media posts, the aim was to secure the highest possible returns for this wonderful collection.

Dawsons continues to establish itself as a leading international Valuer & Auctioneer, known for its expertise in fine jewellery, art, memorabilia, and collectables.

Are you thinking of selling any rare autographs?

With a global audience of over 10 million active bidders, Dawsons can secure the best prices.

Get in touch with an expert Valuer for confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help you:

0207 431 9445 / info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk