1998 Silmarillion Fake Signatures

This is almost certainly not signed by Christopher Tolkien, but by the publisher on his behalf. We know this publisher well having worked with them ourselves. The signature is obviously not his. This does not mean its not "official" or collectible. This is a common practice by publishers for famous or busy authors. The Nasmith signature is however original. This book is certainly worth its asking price, but not too much more. However, books go up in value and could enjoy future appreciation, especially being a officially recognized signed copy, even if not actually signed by the author. There are certain regular users on this forum quite naive about Tolkien collectible values and the history. Its shows mostly they are ignorant, not real collectors and find any price above the original cover price "too expensive". We are one of the oldest and largest specialty Tolkien dealers. Our feedback and status makes clear our reputation. If interested in collecting and investing, speak with professional, specialized dealers, not opinionated bloggers.

Any evidence to support this claim?

BH

30+ years of collecting and 20 years dealer experience. There are numerable examples of his signature of the internet in which even an amateur can distinguish letter and signature styles. Christopher's handwriting style has some similar points to his father's, whether intentional or genetic. I would guess this book was signed by a female at HC. However, only the person themselves can actually authenticate their own signature. For serious collectors its only experience. For dealers, its offering a refund should a signature ever prove false.

That's your résumé, Mark. I asked you what evidence you have. If you don't have any evidence it's okay to simply state that this is your opinion.

BH

Fair enough, its my "professional" opinion based on years of dealing and millions in Tolkien related sales. That's a bit better than amateur bloggers! Indeed, nearly all information on Tolkien is firsthand opinion, especially the older information.

Who are these "amateur bloggers" you keep referring to? There are people on here who have been collecting, buying, & writing on Tolkien for as long as you claim to have been selling. Why should I listen to your opinion over theirs?

What, for example, makes your signed copy of The Silmarillion (that you're selling/sold) any more signed that this 1998 copy? Taking into account the fact that you have zero provenance with that copy since you just bought it off a guy on eBay.

BH

If this is so accurate about their experience, its not reflected in the accuracy of their opinions expressed on this forum, including that yes, I recently sold both my CT signed books for their list price? In fact, their lack of experience and misinformation presented here cost some other readers of this forum the opportunity to buy these signed books before I did. This is a good reason to accept opinions based on real world experience, from professionals, instead of from those little people of high opinion sitting on the sidelines offering their meaningless opinions, no matter how long they've been doing it. You want to dismiss the professional experience of distinguishing real signatures from fakes, when little providence exists for most signatures on the market in all genres? I can't think of many authors or sports figures etc that offer signed COA's with their signed items? The rest is all opinion and hearsay of dealers and collectors alike.

I still don't see you providing any evidence here.

Expertise does not trump provenance, Mark. COA's are worthless crap if they are issued by someone who has as little idea of the book provenance as I have. And this goes across the board for all collecting. Are you a handwrinting expert too?

When Ted Nasmith says to me (private correspondence) that he recalls signing these books and when people at HC talk about signing sheets being sent to France for CT to sign, I'm to think what exactly? That's these people are bare faced liars? Disbelieve all of these people (& we're talking publishing directors at HC here) & instead listen to you, Mark Faith.

Keep dreaming buddy.

BH

Yes on certain authors and artist, I am a handwriting expert, its part of my trade to be so. I know Ted and I know the directors at HC as well as other publishers. I know the trade here also. I've indicated that is Ted's signature, I know first hand because I sell his original art and know his signature. Asking Ted his opinion of another signature, is still just an opinion. Its not fact either. This is what most collectors don't understand: conventional wisdom from little bloggers is not fact. If you are so knowledgeable about real providence or obtaining it, why don't you ask HC if CT actually signed these books and not some HC assistant as I think? Your rule should work both ways. You can't call for providence from me without it coming from the other side also, otherwise that's just more opinion, isn't it?

I've expressed all that I care to here with you and on this OP, unless you have a new topic?