What Does “Personally Obtained” Mean?
A personally obtained autograph was signed in front of the person selling or describing it. The claim is only as strong as the evidence behind it.
Published · 5 min read · By CollectorFish
The meaning
“Personally obtained”, sometimes written “in person” or “IP”, means the collector watched the person sign the item, for example at a convention, a public signing, a stage door or a sports event. It describes where the autograph came from. It isn’t a third-party authentication, and it isn’t a guarantee.
Evidence that supports the claim
- A photograph or video of the person signing the item, ideally with the item visible.
- An event ticket, autograph ticket, receipt or wristband from the signing.
- The date and place of the signing, and details that can be checked, such as the event schedule.
- Consistency with genuine signatures from the same time.
The more specific and checkable the details, the more weight a buyer can give the claim.
How buyers can weigh it
Ask the seller when and where the item was signed and whether they have photos. Compare the signature with genuine examples. Remember that a claim can be honest and still mistaken, especially for items acquired from someone else who said they got it in person. For valuable items, a third-party opinion may also help; see autograph authentication explained.
Documenting your own signings
If you collect in person, photograph each signing when it’s allowed, keep your autograph tickets and receipts and write down the date and event. Store the record with the item. It will matter if you ever sell, trade or pass the collection on. Upcoming events are listed on the CollectorFish convention calendar.
On CollectorFish
Sellers can choose “Personally obtained” as a listing’s provenance in the Fish Market. Like every authentication detail on CollectorFish, it is stated by the seller and isn’t verified by CollectorFish. See the Marketplace Rules.
This guide is general collector education, not a guarantee of authenticity or value. CollectorFish does not currently authenticate or appraise items.
Related guides
Pick a focus, learn the signatures you care about and keep good records. The rest comes with time.
Authentication is an expert opinion about whether a signature is genuine. Here is how it works and what it can and can’t promise.
A certificate of authenticity is a statement that an autograph is genuine. Who made that statement is what matters.
Honest descriptions, clear photos and realistic prices sell autographs. Here is how to prepare each one.
Can’t find the autograph you’re looking for?
Cast a Line: post a free Wanted request and let collectors know what you’re hunting for. If someone has it, they can respond privately.