The economy is rattling banks and the housing market.
You know this, it's nothing new.
But did you know that at the same time the autograph & memorabilia market is recording record prices?
In times of crisis more money moves into the so called 'tangible assets'. Items you can have and physically hold.
Have a look below at what the autograph & memorabilia market has witnessed in the last few weeks.
It may make you realize the investment potential of this exciting market:
1. On Thursday September 4th Elvis Presley's application for a concealed-gun permit for the state of California, as well as a set of his fingerprints, sold for $81,740 at an auction in London.
2. A full collection of first edition Bond novels, personal papers and pictures sold for £31,200, more than twice what it was expected to sell for.
3. Just last week a copy of The Beatles' first contract with manager Brian Epstein, sold for $426,478.
4. At the same sale a guitar broker paid $497,557 for the Stratocaster that Jimi Hendrix set ablaze during a concert in London in 1967.
The succesful bidder told The Associated Press "I thought I'd have to pay a little bit more for it, actually."
5. In America an original TIE Fighter filming miniature from Star Wars: A New Hope sold for $402,500.
6. In the same auction an early signed Abraham Lincoln photograph, signed, went for $207,000.
7. The pair of Ten Commandments tablets toted by Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments was purchased for $69,000.
8. Other offerings included Michael J. Fox's "Marty McFly" character's Mattel hoverboard from the films Back to the Future Part II & III that brought $63,250.
9. A full scale animatronic male Velociraptor from Jurassic Park III that fetched $69,000, a full-scale male T-Rex head from The Lost World: Jurassic Park II at $54,625 and a full-scale Velociraptor suit from Jurassic Park III at $40,250.
10. That auction also sold a Roald Dahl original working manuscript of his James Bond screenplay You Only Live Twice for $48,875.
11. The Holy Grail from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was bought for $25,875.
12. Even Ben Affleck's "Daredevil" hero costume from Daredevil sold for $57,500.
The market is opening up to some very serious players and they are paying top dollar for the quality items.
It's also highlighting that some of our stock prices may be lagging behind current market prices.
One item in particular springs to mind.
In our vaults we have a very special document relating to Elvis Presley.
Remember, someone has just paid $81,740 for Elvis's application for a concealed gun permit?
Well, secure in our vaults is Elvis's Organizational Clothing and Equipment record from his Army days.
On March 28, 1958 Elvis reported to Fort Hood, Texas.
It was here that he was issued with the necessary Army clothing and equipment.
This fantastic document lists the items issued to Elvis.
"A lightweight poncho with hood, hood field jacket, waterproof clothing bag, three wool blankets" etc etc...
The document is complete with his misspelled name (Alvis) and Army serial number.
On returning the items to the Army Elvis has signed the document seven times.
On leaving Fort Hood Elvis was posted to Freidberg, Germany as a member of the 1st Medium Tank Battalion.
Elvis served with the division from October 1, 1958 until March 2, 1960. Three days later he was discharged from active duty with the rank of Sergeant.
View Elvis Document
This item represents a unique memento of Elvis's news-making military career.
Our price is £17,500 (approx $30,625).
We believe that represents excellent value in a growing market that is recording record prices.
It's a unique item of music & film history.
And considering Ben Affleck's "Daredevil" hero costume from Daredevil sold for $57,500, it looks extremely good value.
Call on +44 (0)1481 708 277
Email aroose@stanleygibbons.co.uk
Toll Free from the USA 1 866 644 6146
Regards
Adrian Roose