Jimmy's Book From An Investment Perspective

[kenog]

I am sure that many of you who have bought Jimmy's book would not part with it for the world. However, if any of you have bought it as an investment, or have bought more than one, this article may be of interest.

GUILDFORD, Surrey, November 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when investors are looking for alternative investments, many are now considering the collectibles market where prices have seen strong increases in recent years. One area of growth has been limited edition items such as books. One company that has noticed this growing trend is Guildford based Genesis Publications which publishes only three limited editions a year.

For 35 years, Genesis has worked with music legends such as Lennon, Bowie, George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Hendrix and The Beatles to name a few and artists such as Sir Peter Blake and Andy Warhol.

What distinguishes Genesis books is they are not mass produced publications "...but beautiful, hand-made gems produced in highly limited editions, sought after by discerning global collectors," says Helen Hall, Former Christie's Vice President and Specialist in Entertainment Memorabilia.

"Genesis books are works of art in themselves, which is why rare Genesis publications are today sold alongside old master paintings and contemporary art at the world's most prestigious auction houses."

If you are looking for alternative investments, it's worth checking out this market. The rarity of the limited edition books can be a lucrative investment. Once sold out you can be assured the book won't ever be produced again.

If you come across a Genesis book at auction, it's probably being offered at a considerably higher price than its original pre-publication offering. Helen Hall goes on to say, "Early, signed Genesis publications have seen a terrific return on the original purchase price. For example, signed editions of George Harrison's book "I, Me, Mine" sold out upon publication and copies occasionally surface on the secondary market at auction and through specialist book dealers for over GBP3,000 (original purchase price was GBP148). Deluxe editions of other books by Harrison, Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr which originally retailed for around GBP300 regularly appear at auction for between GBP1,000 and GBP2,000."

Genesis' latest project is a photographic autobiography on Jimmy Page - one of the world's most iconic guitar players. The book has sold out before it's even launched and looks set to be a similarly sound investment.

[SteveAJones]

The Jimmy Page book is also one of the few remaining opportunites for members of the general public to acquire a genuine autograph. Though he still signs for them on occasion, he has more or less adopted a No Autographs stance at airports, hotels and while making highly-publicized appearances on account of professional autograph hunters who merely seek to profit from his generousity.

[kenog]

The Jimmy Page book is also one of the few remaining opportunites for members of the general public to acquire a genuine autograph. Though he still signs for them on occasion, he has more or less adopted a No Autographs stance at airports, hotels and while making highly-publicized appearances on account of professional autograph hunters who merely seek to profit from his generousity.

SAJ,

As far as the no autographs stance is concerned, I can't blame him. Rather than genuine, die-hard LZ fans like ourselves, he is probably plagued by those wishing to sell his signature on EBAY. Still, it is worthwhile knowing that this is his current policy as it saves the embarrassment of being refused. Personally, if I had the opportunity to meet the Great Man, I wouldn't ask for an autograph - I'd rather spend time talking to him and wish him well.

I posted the article because people are now turning their fiscal eye towards these investment opportunities. I have recently been looking into investing in vintage wines - if the bottom fell out of the market, at least I could drink my assets .

[jsj]

the thing with collectibles and their resale price increasing (hopefully) is that the investment value only applies if you actually intend to sell it, if you intend to keep it for yourself then it doesnt matter how much theyre worth on the market, unless your kids sell it after your death. although it is satisfying to see an object you own increasing in value as it sits on your shelf, but will that increase ever be realised by a sale?

i bought 2 of the signed zepp 4 prints with the intention of one day selling one to recoup my costs, which would happen if i sold one now ,as they're now selling for double (£1500) the amount i bought them for (£700)

[zooma]

Paying for autographs is stupid IMHO. Why would a person pay another to scribble their name on something? If I were to run across Jimmy Page in an airport I'd thank him for the enjoyment his music has made in my life, ask him if he was planning anything else musically then leave him alone.

[ally]

I was originally going to say that I didn't think that an immediate quick profit could be made but, given the amount of collectors in this community, I think it quite possible. Maybe not a heafty one but a profit none the less. Personally, I'd keep it as I think there will be a community for many years to come.

[SteveAJones]

Why would a person pay another to scribble their name on something? If I were to run across Jimmy Page in an airport I'd thank him for the enjoyment his music has made in my life, ask him if he was planning anything else musically then leave him alone.

I don't want to present a dissertation on autograph collecting so suffice to say dometimes we can become so fascinated by a person that we collect things associated with them as a sort of homage.

A person's name is very personal, yet no one ever signs their own exactly the same way twice. Thus an autograph is, among other things, a tangible and unique memento of the signer's existence.

[SuperDave]

I don't want to present a dissertation on autograph collecting so suffice to say dometimes we can become so fascinated by a person that we collect things associated with them as a sort of homage.

A person's name is very personal, yet no one ever signs their own exactly the same way twice. Thus an autograph is, among other things, a tangible and unique memento of the signer's existence.

Very good point Steve. Well said!

[dalsh327]

I think as long as it's the only hardcover edition, even if they mass produce it in paperback, the first run will always have value. It'll never go down in price and either stay the same or skyrocket.

I don't know enough about JP's autographing history, whether there were times he was fine with it, and other times he did not want to deal with fans pushing their memorabilia on him. They also had the fundraiser in Thailand where he signed a t-shirt for the pub. I just think he's limiting what he signs, and not going with a Ringo Starr "peace and love, no autographs" rant. They both have said they feel they're too old to deal with it, but as far as guitarists go, I think what really bugs them is when they put that guard on a piece of crap guitar and charge big $$$$. But I'm sure if a talented guitarist that caught Jimmy's ear wanted him to sign his guitar, he prob. would do it for him.

Every now and then, Led Zep signed memorabilia from back in the day surfaces. But the problem is that even companies that have had an established reputation as having certified autographs, have been found to have phony autographs, some of which wound up in Hard Rock Cafes.

But as much as they appreciate our support, if you've seen what collectors have done to get autographs, the things they've said, some of them are way too aggressive and pushy. I think people need to use some common sense and if they can get it, great, if they can't, leave it alone and don't take it personal. You have to remember this: they value their time, and as soon as you invade their privacy, they become obligated to wear the rock star hat for a minute and sign whatever you're pushing in front of them because they don't want to draw more attention. They know this could cost them time and stall them from where they were going. And if they have little kids with them, proceed with caution.

Everyone collects autographs for different reasons. Some people collect royalty. Some people collect musicians, athletes, astronauts, etc. Some people collect serial killers. To each their own.

I can tell you that Jimmy Page is prob. an easier autograph to get than Neil Armstrong's.