So, a friend of mine collects record memorabilia and came across a listing on Ebay for an autographed The Future (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eB...500wt_1156)

and I was curious as to when exactly Prince stopped doing autopgraphs and how you could REALLY tell that they were authentic other than them looking legit. The signature here appears to be legitimate and this specific seller has sold an autographed piece before (signed on the D&P tour, German shows), as well!

i'd be scared to get anything without a certification paper along with it. so i'd say it depends on how much they are selling it for....

200 bux seems like a steal

This is Prince signing stuff at Turtles Rhythm & Views, a record shop in Atlanta on 12th March '93.

Around 4,000 people turned up for the session, but Prince only signed autographs for an hour, signing with his of course.

I have no idea if he ever did an in store signing after this date. I think the NPG did, but without Prince.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_03.jpg[/img:$uid][img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_02.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 12/22/10 17:36pm]

It looks like it could be authentic, there are several variations of his autograph though. As well as his name he's just used the symbol or written stuff like "Love God. P" etc

Obviously, never buy stuff after he decided to stop signing autographs, which I think was around 1997 (?) For example, a signed copy of Musicology will almost certainly be a fake.

Prince stopped doing autographs of his real name at about the same time the symbol album came out (1992ish) And even prior to that, rarely.

And IMHO that autograph from the link is probably not authentic. It's better than some I've seen on ebay but not close enough to make me think this could be the real deal.

TheDigitalGardener said:

This is Prince signing stuff at Turtles Rhythm & Views, a record shop in Atlanta on 12th March '93.

Around 4,000 people turned up for the session, but Prince only signed autographs for an hour, signing with his of course.

I have no idea if he ever did an in store signing after this date. I think the NPG did, but without Prince.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_03.jpg[/img:$uid][img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_02.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 12/22/10 17:36pm]

I remember this very well! It was freezing cold. I had heard on the radio the day before the event that he would be there signing autographs..I couldn't believe it! The day of the event I got there very early and waited out in the cold (a long line had already begun forming by then) for about 2 or 3 hours as I remember. I'll never forget the poor guy in front of me in line who had no coat, gloves or hat on...I'm sure he must have come down with pneumonia after that! After finally getting in, I was lucky enough to get not only Prince's autograph (a hand-drawn "symbol") but the entire band's as well (including Mayte's)...somehow I missed getting Tommy Barbarella's however) on the Gold Album foldout booklet insert. They gave a concert on a small stage in the store after the signing, but the security at Turtle's wouldn't allow anyone to stay inside to see the show once you had gotten your autograph...you had to go back outside and wait in line again...yeah, right! They also printed out concert-style tickets at the store that say "I saw Prince, etc." with the date and time stamped on the ticket. I have everything very nicely framed...a copy of the CD, the full booklet unfolded with Prince and the band's autographs, and a "gold Symbol" pin that I bought at the concert. I'll never forget that experience...it was truly like being in the presence of royalty. I had this framed piece hanging for several years, but decided to put it in a dark closet to help (hopefully) slow down any fading on the "ticket." I'll take a pic for you guys and post to check out. Peace out.

[Edited 12/22/10 19:04pm]

jmfd said:

Prince stopped doing autographs of his real name at about the same time the symbol album came out (1992ish) And even prior to that, rarely.

And IMHO that autograph from the link is probably not authentic. It's better than some I've seen on ebay but not close enough to make me think this could be the real deal.

What about it makes it look fake? I'm curious because I've gotten autographed things from musicians before and it seemed like their autograph was never 100% the same (ex: Brody Dalle signed the first couple hundred copies of the Spinnerette 7" "Sex Bomb" but many of those signatures didn't even resemble each other).

purplemookiebut said:

i'd be scared to get anything without a certification paper along with it. so i'd say it depends on how much they are selling it for....

200 bux seems like a steal

I guess, but how do you get something certified? 200 bucks does seem like a steal to a fan like you or I, I guess. I'm not, personally, very experienced with autographed memorabilia, though, so I've no clue about this stuff! Interesting, though.

TheDigitalGardener said:

This is Prince signing stuff at Turtles Rhythm & Views, a record shop in Atlanta on 12th March '93.

Around 4,000 people turned up for the session, but Prince only signed autographs for an hour, signing with his of course.

I have no idea if he ever did an in store signing after this date. I think the NPG did, but without Prince.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_03.jpg[/img:$uid][img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_02.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 12/22/10 17:36pm]

Off topic: But I have to comment on how he looks...SO CUTE!!

Spinlight said:

purplemookiebut said:

i'd be scared to get anything without a certification paper along with it. so i'd say it depends on how much they are selling it for....

200 bux seems like a steal

I guess, but how do you get something certified? 200 bucks does seem like a steal to a fan like you or I, I guess. I'm not, personally, very experienced with autographed memorabilia, though, so I've no clue about this stuff! Interesting, though.

bring it to the guy on pawn stars?

i got william ptersen from csi season one for like 18 bux but for someone one the same lines as prince,madonna or mj i'd want papers to go with it. althought i remember getting michael from inxs but after their peak of fame. cant remember how much i paid for it...

TheDigitalGardener said:

This is Prince signing stuff at Turtles Rhythm & Views, a record shop in Atlanta on 12th March '93.

Around 4,000 people turned up for the session, but Prince only signed autographs for an hour, signing with his of course.

I have no idea if he ever did an in store signing after this date. I think the NPG did, but without Prince.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_03.jpg[/img:$uid][img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_02.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 12/22/10 17:36pm]

Excuse me but I don't think this is in Atlanta...I think this is in Paris,France, the Fnac record store on the Champs Élysées. I was there, he signed his symbol for me on the Peach cd (I even shook his hand...). You can see Fnac written on the wall behind him and, on the second picture, the girl is working in the store since she wore the Fnac brown outfit...

TheDigitalGardener said:

This is Prince signing stuff at Turtles Rhythm & Views, a record shop in Atlanta on 12th March '93.

Around 4,000 people turned up for the session, but Prince only signed autographs for an hour, signing with his O( > of course.

I have no idea if he ever did an in store signing after this date. I think the NPG did, but without Prince.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_03.jpg[/img:$uid][img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_02.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 12/22/10 17:36pm]

[Edited 12/22/10 21:27pm]

TheDigitalGardener said:

This is Prince signing stuff at Turtles Rhythm & Views, a record shop in Atlanta on 12th March '93.

Around 4,000 people turned up for the session, but Prince only signed autographs for an hour, signing with his of course.

I have no idea if he ever did an in store signing after this date. I think the NPG did, but without Prince.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_03.jpg[/img:$uid][img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_02.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 12/22/10 17:36pm]

I was there! I think I seen some pics of him going out the door in the back. Not sure if I have them in my collection or someone else????

vangoseer said:

TheDigitalGardener said:

This is Prince signing stuff at Turtles Rhythm & Views, a record shop in Atlanta on 12th March '93.

Around 4,000 people turned up for the session, but Prince only signed autographs for an hour, signing with his of course.

I have no idea if he ever did an in store signing after this date. I think the NPG did, but without Prince.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_03.jpg[/img:$uid][img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_02.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 12/22/10 17:36pm]

I remember this very well! It was freezing cold. I had heard on the radio the day before the event that he would be there signing autographs..I couldn't believe it! The day of the event I got there very early and waited out in the cold (a long line had already begun forming by then) for about 2 or 3 hours as I remember. I'll never forget the poor guy in front of me in line who had no coat, gloves or hat on...I'm sure he must have come down with pneumonia after that! After finally getting in, I was lucky enough to get not only Prince's autograph (a hand-drawn "symbol") but the entire band's as well (including Mayte's)...somehow I missed getting Tommy Barbarella's however) on the Gold Album foldout booklet insert. They gave a concert on a small stage in the store after the signing, but the security at Turtle's wouldn't allow anyone to stay inside to see the show once you had gotten your autograph...you had to go back outside and wait in line again...yeah, right! They also printed out concert-style tickets at the store that say "I saw Prince, etc." with the date and time stamped on the ticket. I have everything very nicely framed...a copy of the CD, the full booklet unfolded with Prince and the band's autographs, and a "gold Symbol" pin that I bought at the concert. I'll never forget that experience...it was truly like being in the presence of royalty. I had this framed piece hanging for several years, but decided to put it in a dark closet to help (hopefully) slow down any fading on the "ticket." I'll take a pic for you guys and post to check out. Peace out.

[Edited 12/22/10 19:04pm]

If I remeber correctly there was a rare ice storm down there. And I believe Prince performed in the hotel he stayed at as well. I am not sure if this was documented.

yankem said:

TheDigitalGardener said:

This is Prince signing stuff at Turtles Rhythm & Views, a record shop in Atlanta on 12th March '93.

Around 4,000 people turned up for the session, but Prince only signed autographs for an hour, signing with his of course.

I have no idea if he ever did an in store signing after this date. I think the NPG did, but without Prince.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_03.jpg[/img:$uid][img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_02.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 12/22/10 17:36pm]

Excuse me but I don't think this is in Atlanta...I think this is in Paris,France, the Fnac record store on the Champs Élysées. I was there, he signed his symbol for me on the Peach cd (I even shook his hand...). You can see Fnac written on the wall behind him and, on the second picture, the girl is working in the store since she wore the Fnac brown outfit...

Good observation. I have photos of turtles or tuttles somewhere.

muskiediver said:

yankem said:

Excuse me but I don't think this is in Atlanta...I think this is in Paris,France, the Fnac record store on the Champs Élysées. I was there, he signed his symbol for me on the Peach cd (I even shook his hand...). You can see Fnac written on the wall behind him and, on the second picture, the girl is working in the store since she wore the Fnac brown outfit...

Good observation. I have photos of turtles or tuttles somewhere.

Yes, it wasn't just observation since I worked in that store too (another location though) and I had to wear this awful brown outfit too...for 5 years...I would recognise it eyes closed!!!!

Ok, so the pictures were taken in France? Thank's for clearing that up.

Cheers yankem.

Don't know what the hell vangoseer is on about then.

I have posted this before but there may be a few who haven't seen it....

[img:$uid]http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc1/Joyinrepatition/PICT0002.jpg[/img:$uid]

Source

I'm so glad you clarified that, because I kept thinking as I looked at his outfit in his picture that it was not the same one I remembered...it has been 17+ years now, but from what I remember, his shirt/jacket had overlapping metallic discs sewn onto the collar area...believe the shirt/jacket was gold...he wore that same outfit performing on the "Symbol" tour. Thanks for clarifying my suspicions that this was not a photo from the Atlanta signing!

muskiediver said:

vangoseer said:

I remember this very well! It was freezing cold. I had heard on the radio the day before the event that he would be there signing autographs..I couldn't believe it! The day of the event I got there very early and waited out in the cold (a long line had already begun forming by then) for about 2 or 3 hours as I remember. I'll never forget the poor guy in front of me in line who had no coat, gloves or hat on...I'm sure he must have come down with pneumonia after that! After finally getting in, I was lucky enough to get not only Prince's autograph (a hand-drawn "symbol") but the entire band's as well (including Mayte's)...somehow I missed getting Tommy Barbarella's however) on the Gold Album foldout booklet insert. They gave a concert on a small stage in the store after the signing, but the security at Turtle's wouldn't allow anyone to stay inside to see the show once you had gotten your autograph...you had to go back outside and wait in line again...yeah, right! They also printed out concert-style tickets at the store that say "I saw Prince, etc." with the date and time stamped on the ticket. I have everything very nicely framed...a copy of the CD, the full booklet unfolded with Prince and the band's autographs, and a "gold Symbol" pin that I bought at the concert. I'll never forget that experience...it was truly like being in the presence of royalty. I had this framed piece hanging for several years, but decided to put it in a dark closet to help (hopefully) slow down any fading on the "ticket." I'll take a pic for you guys and post to check out. Peace out.

[Edited 12/22/10 19:04pm]

If I remeber correctly there was a rare ice storm down there. And I believe Prince performed in the hotel he stayed at as well. I am not sure if this was documented.

Yes, you are correct Muskiediver...he was staying at the Hotel Nikko (no longer called that) at the time and the entire city was snowed in...one of the largest snowfalls we've ever had here in Atlanta. He played the hotel's piano and sang for the hotel staff one night while snowed in there. It was well documented in the local Atlanta press.

TheDigitalGardener said:

Ok, so the pictures were taken in France? Thank's for clearing that up.

Cheers yankem.

Don't know what the hell vangoseer is on about then.

You're welcome! Cheers!

vangoseer said:

I'm so glad you clarified that, because I kept thinking as I looked at his outfit in his picture that it was not the same one I remembered...it has been 17+ years now, but from what I remember, his shirt/jacket had overlapping metallic discs sewn onto the collar area...believe the shirt/jacket was gold...he wore that same outfit performing on the "Symbol" tour. Thanks for clarifying my suspicions that this was not a photo from the Atlanta signing!

No problem ! Cheers!

Joyinrepatition said:

I have posted this before but there may be a few who haven't seen it....

[img:$uid]http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc1/Joyinrepatition/PICT0002.jpg[/img:$uid]

Source

I have the Symbol album with the band member's signatures.Prince had stopped signing by then.

Sounds like someones after a little holiday $$.

I have 2 notebook pages that he wrote songs from the RBC.He doddle and wrote in red marker.I know someone thats work for NBC.He left it behind after He tape a show-in the green room.I love it!

One He drew a Picture of 1st wife with a "NO"sign thew it.

If I knew how to put photos up here I would show u all!

peace and GETWILDNOW

DMSRCMC12 said:

I have 2 notebook pages that he wrote songs from the RBC.He doddle and wrote in red marker.I know someone thats work for NBC.He left it behind after He tape a show-in the green room.I love it!

One He drew a Picture of 1st wife with a "NO"sign thew it.

If I knew how to put photos up here I would show u all!

peace and GETWILDNOW

will someone please tell me, oh never mind..

so is this fake???

[img:$uid]http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d175/sidnic/collection/DSC00078.jpg[/img:$uid]

vangoseer said:

TheDigitalGardener said:

This is Prince signing stuff at Turtles Rhythm & Views, a record shop in Atlanta on 12th March '93.

Around 4,000 people turned up for the session, but Prince only signed autographs for an hour, signing with his of course.

I have no idea if he ever did an in store signing after this date. I think the NPG did, but without Prince.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_03.jpg[/img:$uid][img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_02.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 12/22/10 17:36pm]

I remember this very well! It was freezing cold. I had heard on the radio the day before the event that he would be there signing autographs..I couldn't believe it! The day of the event I got there very early and waited out in the cold (a long line had already begun forming by then) for about 2 or 3 hours as I remember. I'll never forget the poor guy in front of me in line who had no coat, gloves or hat on...I'm sure he must have come down with pneumonia after that! After finally getting in, I was lucky enough to get not only Prince's autograph (a hand-drawn "symbol") but the entire band's as well (including Mayte's)...somehow I missed getting Tommy Barbarella's however) on the Gold Album foldout booklet insert. They gave a concert on a small stage in the store after the signing, but the security at Turtle's wouldn't allow anyone to stay inside to see the show once you had gotten your autograph...you had to go back outside and wait in line again...yeah, right! They also printed out concert-style tickets at the store that say "I saw Prince, etc." with the date and time stamped on the ticket. I have everything very nicely framed...a copy of the CD, the full booklet unfolded with Prince and the band's autographs, and a "gold Symbol" pin that I bought at the concert. I'll never forget that experience...it was truly like being in the presence of royalty. I had this framed piece hanging for several years, but decided to put it in a dark closet to help (hopefully) slow down any fading on the "ticket." I'll take a pic for you guys and post to check out. Peace out.

[Edited 12/22/10 19:04pm]

Freezing cold? In Atlanta? Come to Iowa....you will then know true cold.

amberella said:

TheDigitalGardener said:

This is Prince signing stuff at Turtles Rhythm & Views, a record shop in Atlanta on 12th March '93.

Around 4,000 people turned up for the session, but Prince only signed autographs for an hour, signing with his of course.

I have no idea if he ever did an in store signing after this date. I think the NPG did, but without Prince.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_03.jpg[/img:$uid][img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/Prince%20and%20related/HQ_1993_Fnac_02.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 12/22/10 17:36pm]

Off topic: But I have to comment on how he looks...SO CUTE!!

That was my first thought!!!! I love the hair and this era I just adored Prince!! Never a bad moment! I would have loved to be there having him sign anything!!

DMSRCMC12 said:

I have 2 notebook pages that he wrote songs from the RBC.He doddle and wrote in red marker.I know someone thats work for NBC.He left it behind after He tape a show-in the green room.I love it!

One He drew a Picture of 1st wife with a "NO"sign thew it.

If I knew how to put photos up here I would show u all!

peace and GETWILDNOW

send it to me and i'll uplaod 4 u!